Are you craving warm, soft tortillas that melt in your mouth? Forget the store-bought kind! This recipe shows you how to make incredibly delicious H-E-B-style butter tortillas right in your own kitchen. It's easier than you think, and the result is a taste of homemade goodness that's perfect for tacos, quesadillas, or simply enjoyed on their own. Get ready for a quick and satisfying cooking experience with this easy recipe – perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend project. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your healthy meals and quick dinner ideas repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup warm water (approximately 105-115°F)
Instructions:
Step 1: Combining Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Step 2: Cutting in Fats: Add the chilled shortening and butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
Step 3: Adding Water: Gradually add the warm water, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Kneading the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 5: Resting the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in softer tortillas.
Step 6: Rolling out the Tortillas: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a thin, 6-7 inch circle.
Step 7: Cooking the Tortillas: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each tortilla for about 30-60 seconds per side, or until lightly browned and puffed up. You'll know they are ready when small bubbles start to appear on the surface.
Step 8: Serving: Stack the warm tortillas and serve immediately. They're best enjoyed fresh!
Tips for the Best Homemade Tortillas:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and shortening are key to creating flaky, tender tortillas.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in tough tortillas.
- Adjust the water: The amount of water needed may vary slightly depending on the flour and humidity. Add water gradually until the dough comes together.
- Use a griddle: A griddle allows you to cook multiple tortillas at once, speeding up the process.
Variations:
- Add herbs: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
- Spice it up: Incorporate a pinch of chili powder or cumin for a spicy kick.
- Whole wheat tortillas: Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Nutritional Information (per tortilla, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 3g
These delicious homemade butter tortillas are a wonderful addition to any meal. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to customize, and a testament to the magic of homemade cooking. Enjoy the delicious results of your efforts – you’ve created a truly satisfying and simple dish!