Tortilla Recipe

Making your own tortillas at home is easier than you might think, and the result is delicious, soft, and fresh tortillas perfect for tacos, wraps, or any other dish. This recipe will guide you through making both flour and corn tortillas from scratch. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For Flour Tortillas

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

For Corn Tortillas

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

For Flour Tortillas

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add fat: Add the lard or vegetable shortening and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. If using vegetable oil, add it directly to the flour mixture.
3. Add water: Gradually add the warm water, mixing with your hands or a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
4. Knead dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Rest dough: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, roll each piece into a ball, and cover them with a damp cloth. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes.

For Corn Tortillas

1. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and salt.
2. Add water: Gradually add the warm water, mixing with your hands until a dough forms. The dough should be firm but pliable and not sticky. Add more water or masa harina as needed to achieve the right consistency.
3. Rest dough: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, roll each piece into a ball, and cover them with a damp cloth. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Shape the Tortillas

For Flour Tortillas

1. Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each dough ball into a thin, round tortilla, about 8 inches in diameter. Try to make them as thin as possible without tearing.

For Corn Tortillas

1. Press dough: Place a ball of dough between two pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper and use a tortilla press to flatten it into a thin, round tortilla, about 6 inches in diameter. If you don’t have a tortilla press, you can use a rolling pin.

Step 3: Cook the Tortillas

1. Heat skillet: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
2. Cook tortillas: Place a tortilla in the hot skillet and cook for about 30-45 seconds until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 30-45 seconds on the other side until lightly browned and cooked through. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
3. Keep warm: Transfer cooked tortillas to a clean kitchen towel and cover to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve: Serve your fresh homemade tortillas warm with your favorite fillings or dishes.

Tips for Perfect Tortillas

• Rest the dough: Allowing the dough to rest helps relax the gluten in flour tortillas and makes the masa more pliable for corn tortillas.
• Adjust water: The amount of water needed can vary based on humidity and altitude. Adjust as necessary to achieve a soft, pliable dough.
• Keep tortillas warm: Stacking cooked tortillas and keeping them wrapped in a towel helps them stay soft and warm.

Conclusion

This homemade tortilla recipe is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, delicious tortillas. Whether you prefer flour or corn tortillas, making them from scratch adds a special touch to any meal. Enjoy your homemade tortillas with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or simply on their own!