Description
This Flour Tortillas Recipe is a perfect homemade flatbread that is soft, warm, and incredibly easy to make. Using simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and vegetable oil or lard, you can create authentic Mexican-style tortillas right in your kitchen. Ideal for tacos, wraps, or as a side dish, these tortillas are versatile and delicious, making them a staple for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or softened lard
- ¾ cup warm water (plus more if needed)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder ensuring even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Incorporate Oil or Lard: Add the vegetable oil or softened lard to the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture achieves a coarse crumb-like texture.
- Add Water and Form Dough: Slowly pour warm water into the mixture while stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add more water one tablespoon at a time until it comes together smoothly.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 3 to 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
- Divide and Shape: Cut the rested dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Roll Out Tortillas: On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into an 8-inch thin circle.
- Cook Tortillas: Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 30 to 45 seconds per side until bubbles appear and light brown spots develop. Avoid overcooking to keep them soft.
- Keep Warm: Stack cooked tortillas on a plate, covering them with a clean kitchen towel to maintain softness and warmth.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container for later use.
Notes
- These tortillas freeze well; layer with parchment paper and store in a zip-top bag.
- Reheat them by warming in a hot skillet or microwaving wrapped in a damp towel to restore softness.
- Adjust water quantity as needed depending on your flour brand and climate for best dough consistency.
- Substitute lard with vegetable oil for a vegan-friendly version, or use lard for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
