Homemade Flour Tortillas: A Simple Mexican Flatbread Recipe
Authentic Mexican Tortilla Recipe: Homemade Flour Tortillas
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There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a fresh tortilla sizzling on the skillet to turn an ordinary dinner into a fiesta.
Ingredients for Soft Homemade Tortillas
Essential Pantry Staples
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- ¾ cup hot water (approx.)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft Flour Tortillas
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Storytime! Imagine the aroma of Mexican street food as you prep the base for your homemade flatbreads.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If it remains too floury, add 1–2 tablespoons more shortening.
- Gradually pour in hot water, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 2–3 minutes.
- Divide dough into 12 equal balls. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 15–20 minutes—this rest is key for tender, pliable tortillas!
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a 6–8 inch circle.
- Heat a dry skillet or comal over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side, watching for golden brown spots.
2. Cut in the Shortening
3. Add Hot Water & Knead
4. Portion and Rest
5. Roll & Cook
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Tortillas
- Keep them warm: Stack finished tortillas in a clean towel to stay soft.
- Adjust thickness: Roll thinner for crunchy taco shells or thicker for burritos.
- Make ahead: Freeze in parchment sheets; reheat on a skillet.
Why Homemade Tortillas Beat Store-Bought
Homemade tortillas are fresher, fluffier, and free of preservatives. Plus, you can customize the flour blend or even swap in whole wheat for a healthier twist on this Mexican flatbread staple.
Nutrition Facts & Serving Suggestions
Servings: 12 tortillas
Calories: 227 kcal per serving
- Carbs: 24 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 13 g
- Sodium: 470 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 0 g
Serve warm with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or as a side to your favorite Mexican entree.
Enjoy the comforting taste of each soft tortilla and watch them disappear from the table!
Authentic Mexican Tortillas
This authentic flour tortilla recipe is easy to make and uses simple pantry ingredients to make a dozen deliciously tender tortillas.
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If it remains too floury, add 1–2 tablespoons more shortening.
- Gradually pour in hot water, stirring until the dough comes together; knead until smooth and elastic.
- Divide dough into 12 balls. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 15–20 minutes.
- Roll each ball into a 6–8 inch circle on a floured surface.
- Cook each tortilla on a hot, dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or until golden spots appear.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes
