In home cooking, few things are as satisfying as creating staple foods from scratch. Today, we’re diving into the art of making soft, puffy homemade tortillas that will revolutionize your Mexican-inspired meals.
This simple recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality tortillas in minutes. The beauty of homemade tortillas lies not just in their superior taste and texture but also in the simplicity of their ingredients.
With just five common pantry staples, you can create a batch of tortillas that will make you wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.
The Importance of Resting the Dough
One key step in making great tortillas is allowing the dough to rest. After kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, cover it with a clean dish towel and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
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This resting period allows the gluten in the flour to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and ensuring that your tortillas will be soft and pliable.
During this time, you can prepare your work surface and gather any additional ingredients, such as herbs or spices, you might want to use.
When the dough has finished resting, divide it into equal portions and roll each out into a thin, round shape.
Cooking the Tortillas to Perfection
Once your tortillas are rolled out, it’s time to cook them. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on the surface.
Place a tortilla in the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds or until small bubbles form on the surface.
Flip the tortilla over and cook for 30 seconds on the other side. You’ll know your tortilla is done when it’s lightly golden brown and puffy in spots.
Remove the tortilla from the skillet and wrap it in a clean dish towel to keep it warm while you cook the remaining tortillas.
Serving & Storing Your Homemade Tortillas
Homemade tortillas are best served warm, straight from the skillet. They’re perfect for making tacos, burritos, quesadillas or simply enjoying with a bit of butter or your favorite spread.
If you have leftover tortillas, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds or until they’re warm and pliable again.
Some serving suggestions:
- Fill with your favorite taco ingredients like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or grilled vegetables
- Use as a wrap for deli meats and cheeses
- Cut into wedges and serve with dips like guacamole or salsa
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat
With this easy recipe for soft and puffy homemade tortillas, you’ll never return to store-bought again. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with your tortilla-making skills!
Easy Flour Tortilla Recipe
Equipment
- skillet or griddle
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup warm water
Instructions
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the vegetable oil and warm water. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients using a fork or your hands until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 2-3 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop the gluten, giving the tortillas perfect texture and chew.
- Place the kneaded dough back in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes. This resting period relaxes the gluten, making the dough more pliable and easier to roll out.
- After the resting period, divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten each into a thin, 8-inch circle.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla in the hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds or until small bubbles form on the surface. Flip the tortilla and cook for 30 seconds on the other side until light golden spots appear. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas.
- As you cook each tortilla, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm and soft until ready to serve.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.