Flour Tortilla Recipe

Flour tortillas are a versatile staple in many cuisines, perfect for wrapping up delicious fillings or serving alongside hearty dishes. Making your own homemade flour tortillas is surprisingly easy and rewarding, offering a freshness and flavor that store-bought versions often lack. Here’s a simple guide to creating soft, tender flour tortillas right in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted lard
• 3/4 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
• Add the vegetable oil or melted lard to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Knead the Dough:

• Gradually add the warm water, a little at a time, mixing with your hands or a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a touch more water.

3. Rest the Dough:

• Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

4. Divide and Roll Out:

• After resting, divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
• On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a thin, round tortilla, about 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. If you prefer thicker tortillas, roll them slightly thicker.

5. Cook the Tortillas:

• Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot.
• Place one tortilla onto the hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until bubbles start to form on the surface.
• Flip the tortilla and cook the other side for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until lightly browned and puffed.
• Remove the cooked tortilla from the skillet and stack them on a plate covered with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and soft.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve your homemade flour tortillas warm, filled with your favorite fillings like grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, beans, cheese, or even as a base for breakfast tacos or quesadillas.

Tips:

• Storage: Store leftover tortillas in a zip-top bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
• Customization: Add flavor to your tortillas by incorporating herbs, spices, or even a bit of chili powder into the dough.
• Handling: If you find rolling out the dough challenging, let it rest longer or divide it into smaller portions to make it more manageable.

Making your own flour tortillas not only enhances the flavors of your dishes but also gives you control over the ingredients. With this straightforward recipe, you can enjoy fresh, homemade tortillas whenever you crave them, elevating any meal with their soft texture and delicious taste. Embrace the joy of creating and savoring these homemade delights!