Are you craving warm, soft tortillas but tired of store-bought options? Making your own flour tortillas is easier than you think! This recipe delivers perfectly flaky, melt-in-your-mouth tortillas that are perfect for tacos, burritos, quesadillas – or simply enjoyed on their own with a little butter and honey. This is a fantastic recipe for homemade cooking, perfect for a quick dinner idea, and delivers a delicious dish the whole family will love. Get ready to elevate your taco night with these easy recipes!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¾ - 1 cup ice water
Instructions:
Step 1: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures even distribution of salt throughout your tortillas, enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 2: Cutting in the Butter
Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. The colder the butter, the flakier your tortillas will be!
Step 3: Adding Water
Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly with a fork until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is perfectly fine.
Step 4: Forming the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times just to bring it together – avoid over-kneading, which can result in tough tortillas. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender tortillas.
Step 5: Rolling and Cooking
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 6-7 inch circle. Use a rolling pin to ensure even thickness. Aim for a consistent thickness to ensure even cooking.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each tortilla for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly browned and puffy. You'll know they're ready when small bubbles start to appear on the surface.
Step 6: Serving
Stack the warm tortillas on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and pliable. Serve immediately with your favorite fillings!
Tips for Perfect Tortillas:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are crucial for achieving flaky tortillas.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in tough tortillas.
- Roll evenly: Evenly rolled tortillas will cook evenly.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on your stovetop.
Variations:
- Whole wheat tortillas: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Herb tortillas: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite dried herbs (like oregano, rosemary, or thyme) to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
- Spicy tortillas: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a little kick.
Nutritional Information (per tortilla, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This simple recipe for flour tortillas opens up a world of culinary possibilities. From quick weeknight dinners to elaborate feasts, these homemade tortillas are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!