Flour tortillas are a staple in many cuisines, especially in Latin American and Tex-Mex dishes. They are versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes, including tacos, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, and more. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your own flour tortillas from scratch, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make delicious homemade flour tortillas.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/3 cup vegetable shortening or lard
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
- Add the vegetable shortening or lard to the dry ingredients. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to work the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually pour in the warm water and mix with your hands until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 12-15 pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Dust a clean surface with flour and roll each ball of dough into a thin, round tortilla shape. You can use a rolling pin or press the dough out with your hands.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the tortilla on the hot surface and cook for about 30 seconds on each side, or until lightly browned and bubbly.
- Remove the tortilla from the skillet and place it on a plate or in a tortilla warmer. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls until you have made all the tortillas.
Tips:
- To keep the tortillas warm and pliable, place them in a tortilla warmer or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel.
- You can add different spices or herbs to the dough for added flavor. Cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder are great options.
- If you prefer a softer tortilla, you can add a little more fat to the dough.
- To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
In conclusion, making your own flour tortillas is easy and rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients and a little practice, you can have delicious homemade tortillas that will impress your friends and family. So, go ahead and give it a try!