**Flour Tortillas: A Culinary Journey into Mexican Cuisine**
Flour tortillas, a staple in Mexican cuisine, have captivated taste buds worldwide with their versatility and delectable flavor. These soft, pliable flatbreads, made with wheat flour, are a culinary canvas for a myriad of fillings, from savory to sweet. Whether you're a seasoned tortilla enthusiast or a novice cook looking to explore the world of Mexican gastronomy, this article presents a comprehensive guide to creating fresh, homemade flour tortillas.
Dive into an array of recipes tailored to your dietary preferences and skill level. Discover the classic all-purpose flour tortilla recipe, a timeless delight that forms the foundation of countless Mexican dishes. For those seeking a healthier alternative, the whole wheat flour tortilla recipe offers a nutritious twist while maintaining the authentic taste and texture. If you're gluten-sensitive, the gluten-free flour tortilla recipe provides a delicious and inclusive option.
Each recipe is meticulously explained with clear instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve tortilla-making success. Tips and tricks are generously shared to help you troubleshoot common challenges and elevate your tortilla-making skills. Whether you prefer the traditional method of using a rolling pin or the convenience of a tortilla press, this article equips you with the knowledge and techniques to produce perfect tortillas every time.
Embark on a culinary adventure as you explore the diverse fillings and accompaniments that complement flour tortillas. From classic tacos and burritos to quesadillas and enchiladas, the possibilities are endless. Let your creativity shine as you experiment with various fillings, sauces, and toppings, transforming each tortilla into a unique and flavorful masterpiece.
So, prepare your aprons, gather your ingredients, and embark on a delightful journey into the world of flour tortillas. With this comprehensive guide by your side, you'll be crafting fresh, homemade flour tortillas like a seasoned pro, ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary prowess.
HOMEMADE FLOUR TORTILLAS
Traditional flour tortillas - homemade and much better than store bought. Do not substitute vegetable oil or shortening for the lard.
Provided by LaDonna
Categories Bread Quick Bread Recipes Tortilla Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a mixing bowl. Mix in the lard with your fingers until the flour resembles cornmeal. Add the water and mix until the dough comes together; place on a lightly floured surface and knead a few minutes until smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a well-floured rolling pin to roll a dough ball into a thin, round tortilla. Place into the hot skillet, and cook until bubbly and golden; flip and continue cooking until golden on the other side. Place the cooked tortilla in a tortilla warmer; continue rolling and cooking the remaining dough.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 85.7 calories, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Fat 1.3 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 138.4 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
HOMEMADE TORTILLAS
I usually have to double this flour tortilla recipe because we go through them so quickly. The homemade tortillas are so tender and chewy, you'll never use store-bought again after learning how to make tortillas. -Kristin Van Dyken, Kennewick, Washington
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 30m
Yield 8 tortillas.
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir in water and oil. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 10-12 times, adding a little flour or water if needed to achieve a smooth dough. Let rest for 10 minutes., Divide dough into 8 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 7-in. circle., In a greased cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook tortillas over medium heat until lightly browned, 1 minute on each side. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 159 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 148mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
OUR FAVORITE SOFT FLOUR TORTILLAS
How we make flour tortillas that are soft, pliable and perfect for folding or wrapping. We incorporate a few tricks in the recipe for the best results. Dissolving the salt into the warm water helps season the dough. I especially recommend doing this if you are using a coarser salt. Rolling the tortillas very thin and getting the heat of your pan right makes sure that bubbles start to form (our video shows just how large these bubbles can be). It's these bubbles that create the perfect texture.
Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher
Categories Bread, Baking
Time 40m
Yield Makes 10 (8-inch) tortillas
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Add the salt to the warm water and stir together until the salt has dissolved.
- In a large bowl, use a fork to combine the flour with the oil (or other fat) until it looks crumbly. Pour in almost all of the salty water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit more of the water.
- When the dough comes together, transfer to a floured work surface and knead until smooth, two to three minutes. Cover with a clean dish cloth and leave for at least 15 minutes and up to an hour or two. Resting the dough makes rolling it out easier.
- Divide the dough into ten equally sized blobs and then shape into small disks. Use a rolling pin to roll each small disc into 8-inch rounds or use a tortilla press. The thinner the better, here. If you happen to get 9-inch tortillas, don't worry! We also don't worry too much about making them perfectly round. (See our video to watch us do it.)
- Stack the rolled tortillas with a piece of parchment paper between them. Alternatively, you can roll and cook the tortillas at the same time. Roll one tortilla out, then while it cooks, roll the next tortilla out.
- Make ahead: Divide the dough into smaller balls (this recipe makes ten 8-inch tortillas), wrap them very well, and then place into the refrigerator up to three days. About thirty to forty minutes before you are ready to cook the tortillas, take the balls out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before rolling them out.
- Heat a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. When it's hot, add the first tortilla. Within 20 to 30 seconds, you should start to see it puffing up with bubbles forming.
- When the bottom of the tortilla has some brown spots, flip it and cook until the second side is browned in spots and the tortilla looks dry around the edges. Each tortilla will take 1 to 2 minutes to cook. If this is taking a long time, increase the heat. If the pan starts to smoke or brown the tortillas too quickly, turn the heat down a bit.
- Transfer the cooked tortilla to a dish towel and cover it then continue with the remaining tortillas, adjusting the heat as needed.
- Store leftover tortillas in a resealable plastic bag for a day or two or freeze if needing to store longer. Fresh homemade flour tortillas are in their softest state when warm so if you have room temperature or cold tortillas, we recommend reheating them in a skillet until they are warm and pliable again.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 (8-inch) tortilla, Calories 92, Fat 0.4g, SaturatedFat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 233.8mg, Carbohydrate 19.1g, Fiber 0.7g, Sugar 0.1g, Protein 2.6g
HOMEMADE FLOUR TORTILLAS
Homemade flour tortillas are easy to make in the comfort of your own kitchen. All it takes four simple ingredients (one is water) and about 1 hour - that includes a 30-minute rest time! No special equipment needed.
Provided by Sally Vargas
Categories Dinner Snack Budget Freezer-friendly How To Make-ahead
Time 1h5m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Steam the tortillas: If you are eating them right away, wrap them in a cloth napkin and let them steam for 5 to 10 minutes. If you are planning to store them to reheat later, turn a plastic zip-top bag inside out. Place the hot stack of tortillas in the bag, close the bag without sealing it, and let cool. When cool, remove the tortillas, turn the bag right side out, and slip the stack inside the bag and seal it. The droplets of steam will now be on the outside of the bag and you can pat them dry with a dishtowel.
- Store the tortillas: Store the well-sealed bag in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze for up to two months.
- Reheat the tortillas: Just before serving, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place each tortilla on the hot pan, and cook for 10 to 12 seconds on each side, or until hot. You can also reheat them in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 128 kcal, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 199 mg, Sugar 0 g, Fat 2 g, ServingSize 8 (7-inch) tortillas, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
FLOUR TORTILLAS
Follow this homemade tortilla recipe to make tortillas that are perfectly fluffy, pliable, and elastic-ideal for making the best burritos you've ever had.
Provided by Alan Delgado
Yield Makes eight 10" tortillas
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Whisk 3⅓ cups (417 g) unbleached all-purpose flour, 1 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt, 1 tsp. baking powder, and 1 tsp. baking soda in a medium bowl to combine. Using your hands, work in 6 Tbsp. lard or vegetable shortening, melted, until incorporated and mixture looks crumbly. Pour in 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. hot water (about 100°F) and mix well.
- Transfer dough to a surface and knead until it comes together and springs back slowly when pressed, about 5 minutes. Wrap dough in plastic and let rest at room temperature at least 1 hour, or chill up to 12 hours (preferable). If chilling, let dough sit at room temperature 1 hour before making tortillas.
- Unwrap dough and divide into 8 equal pieces (about 99 g each if you have a scale). Working with 1 piece at a time, pull edges of dough up and into center, then rest a cupped hand over dough so your palm and fingers enclose it and slowly work your hand in a circular motion on the counter to shape dough into a ball. Cover balls with plastic wrap to keep from drying out and let rest 30 minutes.
- Working one at a time, roll out each ball of dough on a lightly floured surface, dusting lightly with more flour if needed (use as little as possible) to 11"-12" rounds (they should be thin enough that you can see the counter through the dough).
- Heat a comal or large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high until smoking. Working one at a time, cook tortillas until charred in spots and bubbles form on surface, 10-15 seconds. Flip and cook until charred in spots on second side, about 10 seconds. Stack and wrap in a kitchen towel to keep warm as you go.
HOMEMADE FLOUR TORTILLAS
The surging popularity of sandwich wraps and quick Mexican snacks like quesadillas has turned the flour tortilla, a staple once largely confined to northern Mexico, into something found in supermarkets across the United States. Of the store-bought varieties, we are big fans of those from Maria & Ricardo's Tortilla Factory (800-881-7040), available at high-end supermarkets such as Whole Foods and by mail order from the company. (Dry-toast them slightly to freshen before using.) That said, we are even bigger fans of homemade flour tortillas. Fragrant and slightly puffy, they fall squarely into the "staff of life" category.
Categories Side Quick & Easy Tortillas Gourmet
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Stir together flour with salt in a bowl, then cut in lard with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles meal. Drizzle vegetable oil over and stir in warm water with a fork until a dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes, dusting hands occasionally with flour if dough is sticky.
- Form dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest 1 hour. Heat a dry well-seasoned cast-iron comal, regular griddle, or skillet over moderately low heat until hot. Cut dough into 12 equal pieces and form into balls.
- When rolling out 1 ball at a time with dowel, use just enough flour to prevent dough from sticking; you don't want excess flour coming off on the comal. Keep remaining dough covered with plastic wrap. Roll out each ball into a 7-inch round, maintaining an even thinness as you roll. Cook 1 tortilla on comal as you roll the next.
- Tortilla will bubble and puff, and bottom will be browned in spots in 45 seconds. Turn it over and cook second side in same way, moving tortilla around to compensate for any hot spots on comal if necessary. Transfer to a kitchen towel. Stack and cover tortillas as cooked. They can be frozen (cool thoroughly first). Rewarm thawed tortillas on comal before using.
FRESH HOMEMADE FLOUR TORTILLAS!
Store bought flour tortillas don't begin to compare with these freshly rolled flour tortillas. This recipe will become better and easier with practice. The amount of milk needed for the flour in your climate will vary slightly. I've given the method that works best for me but you will get the hang of what works best for you as you perfect your method of mixing, rolling and cooking these wonderful tortillas. So get to work. Practice truly does make perfect with homemade tortillas!
Provided by P.B.andJayne
Categories Breads
Time 50m
Yield 6 Tortillas
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl. Mix well.
- Cut in the lard with one hand until incorporated. Thin flakes of lard are ok.
- Pour in the milk leaving back one or two Tablespoons. It will be pretty moist but should make a ball after 10 to 20 seconds of gentle mixing and very little kneading. Use the rest of the milk if necessary. Don't despair if the dough is a sticky tacky mess. Only If necessary, sprinkle in a a little more flour to turn it into a ball, working it as little as possible.
- Divide and roll the ball into six or seven balls. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let set 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Adjust the temperature as you work. I prefer a cast iron skillet.
- Roll out a tortilla using light flour as needed.
- Cook each tortilla on one side and then the other (there should be some brown spots) and place on a plate covering with a dish towel as you go. Each tortilla should be stacked on tot of the last and covered with the towel.
- The towel is very important for keeping the moisture in ensuring that your tortillas will be flexible to fill and fold when the time comes to fill them.
- Leftovers should be stored in a zipper locked bag when sufficiently cooled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 248.4, Fat 10.1, SaturatedFat 4.1, Cholesterol 12.4, Sodium 239.8, Carbohydrate 33.3, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 0.1, Protein 5.3
Tips:
- Use the right flour: All-purpose flour is the most common type of flour used for tortillas, but you can also use bread flour or masa harina (corn flour). If you're using masa harina, you'll need to add more water to the dough.
- Knead the dough properly: Kneading the dough helps to develop the gluten, which makes the tortillas more pliable and easier to roll out. Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rest: After kneading the dough, let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough to relax and make it easier to roll out.
- Roll out the dough thinly: The thinner you roll out the dough, the more delicate the tortillas will be. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Cook the tortillas over medium heat: Cook the tortillas over medium heat in a lightly oiled skillet. Cook each tortilla for about 1 minute per side, or until it is golden brown and puffed up.
- Keep the tortillas warm: Once the tortillas are cooked, keep them warm in a tortilla warmer or a covered dish.
Conclusion:
Fresh, homemade flour tortillas are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal. They can be used for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. With a little practice, you can easily make your own flour tortillas at home. So next time you're craving Mexican food, give this recipe a try!
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