Why You’ll Love This Homemade Tortillas Recipe
There’s something truly special about homemade tortillas that store-bought ones just can’t match.
When I make them, I feel a connection to tradition and the joy of creating something from scratch. The aroma fills my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Each tortilla has a warm, soft texture that simply can’t be replicated.
I love how I can customize them—whether it’s the thickness or cooking time, every choice is mine! Plus, they taste incredible fresh off the skillet, adding a personal touch to every meal.
Once you try homemade tortillas, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought kind.
Ingredients of Homemade Tortillas
When it comes to making homemade tortillas, the ingredients are simple yet essential. They come together to create that soft, warm goodness we all crave.
Plus, there’s something therapeutic about measuring out each ingredient and knowing you’re about to craft something delicious. So, let’s gather what we need to get started on this culinary adventure!
Ingredients for Homemade Tortillas:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup shortening (lard or any kind works too)
- 3/4 cup hot water
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients for a moment. You might be wondering why we use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour.
Well, it’s all about gluten content—too much gluten can lead to tough tortillas, and we want them soft and pliable.
And the shortening? It brings that flaky, tender texture that’s hard to beat. You could even experiment with different types of shortening if you’re feeling adventurous.
Just think, one day you might find your perfect combo of flavors.
Oh, and don’t forget the hot water—trust me, it makes a difference in bringing your dough together.
How to Make Homemade Tortillas
Making homemade tortillas is a delightful journey that starts with just a few simple ingredients—3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 3/4 cup of shortening, and 3/4 cup of hot water. Trust me, there’s something truly satisfying about mixing these ingredients by hand.
Start by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. You can use your hands or a pastry cutter for this—whatever floats your boat. Then, crumble the shortening into the flour mixture. You’re looking for a crumbly texture here, so if it feels too powdery, just add a tad more shortening until it reaches that perfect crumbly consistency.
Once you’ve got that down, it’s time to introduce the hot water. Pour in just enough to moisten the dry ingredients. This part can feel a bit messy, but don’t worry; that’s part of the fun. Knead the dough until it’s nice and smooth—think of it as a little workout for your hands. If it sticks to your fingers, sprinkle in a little more flour.
After about 10 minutes of kneading, cover the bowl with a towel and let it rest for about an hour. This resting time is vital; it allows the gluten to relax, making your tortillas softer and easier to roll out.
Now, here comes the fun part—shaping the dough into tortillas. Pinch off 10 to 12 balls from the dough and dust your rolling pin and workspace lightly with flour. Roll each ball into about 1/8 inch thickness. If you’re feeling fancy, you could use a tortilla press, but rolling by hand is perfectly fine.
Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook each tortilla for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until you see those lovely brown specks. If it starts to get black specks, dial back the heat a bit.
And don’t worry if they don’t puff up perfectly; the more you practice, the better they’ll get. Just imagine showing off your homemade tortillas at dinner—there’s a certain pride in it, isn’t there? So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress.
Homemade Tortillas Substitutions & Variations
Have you ever thought about how versatile homemade tortillas can be? I love experimenting with different flours like whole wheat or corn for unique flavors and textures.
You can even try using gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free option. For a twist, I sometimes add herbs or spices to the dough, like cilantro or chili powder.
If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in a bit of masa harina for that traditional flavor. And don’t forget about using olive oil instead of shortening for a healthier alternative.
The possibilities are endless, so get creative with your tortillas!
What to Serve with Homemade Tortillas
Homemade tortillas are incredibly versatile, and they pair well with a variety of delicious dishes. I love serving them with savory fillings like grilled chicken, beef, or sautéed vegetables for tacos.
You can’t go wrong adding fresh toppings like guacamole, salsa, or shredded cheese. For a lighter option, I often use them to wrap around fresh herbs and sliced avocado.
If I’m in the mood for breakfast, scrambled eggs and chorizo make a fantastic filling. I also enjoy using them to scoop up hearty bean dishes or stews.
The possibilities are endless, and each bite is a taste of homemade goodness!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your tortillas, keep in mind a few additional tips to enhance your experience.
First, I recommend using a low-gluten flour for better texture. When rolling out the dough, lightly dust your rolling pin and workspace to prevent sticking. I’ve found that an unvarnished wood surface works best.
Don’t shy away from applying pressure while rolling; it’s sturdy enough! If your tortillas aren’t perfectly round, trim them with a knife for a polished look.
Finally, don’t rush the cooking process—let them puff and brown for that perfect finish. Practice makes perfect, so enjoy the process!