If you’ve ever stared at a tortilla wondering how hard it would be to make it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that all it takes to make the perfect homemade flour tortillas are a few staple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Gone are the days when you had to rely on store-bought tortillas for your Mexican feast. Why settle for bland and mass-produced when you can make your own delicious homemade flour tortillas? In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple and easy tortilla recipe that will have you savoring the authentic taste of homemade tortillas. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!
Why Choose Homemade Tortillas?
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own tortillas from scratch. Not only do homemade flour tortillas taste infinitely better than the store-bought ones, but they also allow you to control the ingredients. No preservatives, additives, or artificial flavors – just pure goodness! Plus, the process of making tortillas can be a fun and rewarding activity.
A Simple and Easy Tortilla Recipe
Let’s dive into our homemade flour tortilla recipe. You’ll be surprised by how few ingredients you need:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, with extra for dusting
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 3-5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Or, knead in your bread machine for 3 minutes or until it’s pulled away from the bowl.
- Let dough rest for 5-8 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 16 small balls, roughly the size of golf balls.
- Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a thin, round tortilla.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cook each tortilla for about 1 minute on each side, or until it puffs up and develops light brown spots.
- Remove the tortillas from the skillet and stack them on a plate, covering them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and pliable.
That’s it! Your homemade flour tortillas are ready to be enjoyed. They’re perfect for wrapping your favorite fillings, be it seasoned grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, or melted cheese. Get creative and let your taste buds guide you!
Homemade Flour Tortillas
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour with extra for dusting
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 3-5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Or, knead in your bread machine for 3 minutes or until it's pulled away from the bowl.
- Let dough rest for 5-8 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 16 small balls, roughly the size of golf balls.
- Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a thin, round tortilla.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cook each tortilla for about 1 minute on each side, or until it puffs up and develops light brown spots.
- Remove the tortillas from the skillet and stack them on a plate, covering them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and pliable.
Extra Tips for Perfect Homemade Tortillas
While the basic recipe is simple, here are a few tips to ensure your homemade flour tortillas turn out perfectly every time:
Resting Time:
After kneading the dough, allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes. This helps the gluten relax and makes it easier to roll out the tortillas.
Rolling Technique:
When rolling out the tortillas, start from the center and work your way outward in a circular motion. Rotate the dough as you go to maintain a round shape.
Cooking Temperature:
Ensure your skillet or griddle is preheated to medium heat before adding the tortillas.
