Introduction
Tortillas are a beloved staple in many households, prized for their versatility and ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create delicious, homemade tortillas that are perfect for wraps, tacos, or simply enjoying with your favorite dips. This article will guide you through the ingredients and steps needed to make these delightful additions to any meal.
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 5 tablespoons lard (recommended) or vegetable shortening
– ¾ cup hot water
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
6 minutes (approximately 30 seconds per tortilla)
Total Time
21 minutes
Yield
12 tortillas
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and lard (or shortening).
2. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, cut in the lard until the mixture resembles pea-sized pieces.
3. Add the hot water and mix together using your hands or a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to form.
4. Knead on a floured surface for 5–10 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and elastic.
5. Form the dough into a ball.
6. Place the dough into a covered bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes.
7. Pinch off the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into golf ball-sized balls.
8. Flatten each dough ball slightly and then roll out on a floured surface, forming a circle.
9. To make a round shape, roll out the dough and then make a 1/4 turn of the circle, roll again, and continue making 1/4 turns until the dough is rolled out to 1/8 inch thick.
10. Preheat your griddle, nonstick pan, or cast iron pan on medium-high heat.
11. Place one tortilla onto the hot skillet and cook until bubbly.
12. Flip and continue cooking the other side. Each side should cook about 30 seconds.
13. Keep the cooked tortillas warm while you continue rolling and cooking the remaining tortillas.
These tortillas are best enjoyed the day they are made. If you have any leftovers, store them in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator. The next day, you can fry them up to make tostadas or cut them into triangles and fry them for chips to have with salsa or sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar on them for a sweet treat.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the lard (or vegetable shortening) to the dry ingredients.
Step 2: Cut in the Lard
Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, cut in the lard or shortening until the mixture resembles pea-sized pieces.
Step 3: Incorporate Hot Water
Add the hot water to the mixture and mix using your hands or a wooden spoon until it begins to form a dough.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for 5–10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Form a Ball
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball.
Step 6: Allow to Rest
Place the dough into a covered bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 7: Divide the Dough
Pinch off the rested dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball the size of a golf ball.
Step 8: Flatten the Balls
Slightly flatten each dough ball before rolling it out.
Step 9: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball to a circle. Rotate the circle 1/4 turn after each roll, and continue this process until the dough is rolled out to about 1/8 inch thick.
Step 10: Preheat the Cooking Surface
Preheat your griddle, nonstick pan, or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
Step 11: Cook the Tortillas
Place one tortilla onto the hot skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface.
Step 12: Flip and Continue Cooking
Flip the tortilla and cook the other side until lightly browned. Each side should take about 30 seconds.
Step 13: Keep Tortillas Warm
Remove the cooked tortillas and keep them warm while you roll and cook the remaining tortillas.
Notes
Serving Fresh
These tortillas are best enjoyed the day they are made for optimal freshness and texture.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator.
Ideas for Leftover Tortillas
The next day, you can fry the tortillas to make tostadas, cut them into triangles and fry them for chips to have with salsa, or sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on them for a sweet treat.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, salt, and baking powder before adding any fats to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
Cutting in Fat
Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut in the lard until the mixture resembles small pea-sized pieces. This technique helps create a flaky texture in the final product.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
When adding hot water, mix the ingredients together with your hands or a wooden spoon until they start to come together into a dough. The heat from the water helps to activate the fat, improving texture.
Kneading
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5–10 minutes. This process develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a smooth and elastic dough.
Resting Dough
Allow the dough to rest in a covered bowl for 10 minutes. This step relaxes the gluten, making it easier to roll out later.
Shaping Dough
Pinch off the dough into equal pieces and roll them into golf ball-sized balls. Flatten slightly to prepare for rolling.
Rolling Out Dough
To achieve a round shape, roll out the first side, then give the dough a quarter turn and roll again, repeating this process until the dough is 1/8 inch thick.
Cooking Tortillas
Preheat your skillet and cook each tortilla until bubbly, flipping halfway through. Each side should be cooked for about 30 seconds for optimal texture.
Keeping Tortillas Warm
After cooking, keep the tortillas warm by covering them. This prevents them from drying out while you cook the remaining batches.
FAQ
Can I use vegetable shortening instead of lard?
Yes, vegetable shortening can be used as a substitute for lard, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How can I store leftover tortillas?
Store leftover tortillas in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
What can I do with leftover tortillas?
Leftover tortillas can be fried to make tostadas or cut into triangles and fried for chips. They can also be sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat.
How thick should the tortillas be rolled out?
The tortillas should be rolled out to about 1/8 inch thick for optimal cooking and texture.
What type of pan is best for cooking tortillas?
A griddle, nonstick pan, or cast iron pan works best for cooking tortillas, as they provide even heat distribution.
Conclusion
These homemade tortillas bring a warm, comforting taste that complements a variety of dishes. Freshly made and enjoyed on the same day, they provide a delightful base for countless meals. Whether used for tacos, wraps, or even as a side for soups, these tortillas are versatile and easy to prepare.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Taco Night
Fill your tortillas with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite salsa for a classic taco night.
Breakfast Burritos
Stuff your tortillas with scrambled eggs, diced potatoes, cheese, and cooked bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast burrito.
Quesadillas
Layer cheese and additional fillings like spinach, mushrooms, or chicken between two tortillas, then grill until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
Wraps
Use the tortillas to wrap grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of ranch or Caesar dressing for a quick and nutritious lunch.
Tortilla Chips
Cut leftover tortillas into wedges, fry them until crispy, and serve with salsa or guacamole for a perfect snack.
Sweet Cinnamon Tortillas
Brush cooked tortillas with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat that pairs well with ice cream.
