Craving authentic street tacos but don't have time to hit your favorite taqueria? Fear not! This recipe delivers the vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch of delicious street tacos, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this easy and healthy meal – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend fiesta! These tortillas are unbelievably simple to make, and far superior to store-bought options.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (or lard, for a more traditional flavor)
- ¾ cup warm water
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates flaky layers in the tortilla!
Mixing and Kneading:
- Gradually add the warm water, mixing with a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Don’t over-knead!
Resting and Rolling:
- Form the dough into a ball, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in softer tortillas.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a thin, 6-inch circle using a rolling pin. Aim for a consistent thickness to ensure even cooking.
Cooking the Tortillas:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. No oil is needed!
- Cook each tortilla for about 30-60 seconds per side, or until lightly browned and slightly puffy. Keep cooked tortillas warm in a clean kitchen towel.
Tips for Perfect Tortillas:
- Warm Water: Using warm water helps activate the yeast in the flour, resulting in softer tortillas.
- Don't Overknead: Overkneading can make the tortillas tough. Aim for a smooth dough, but don't overdo it.
- Even Thickness: Consistent thickness ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- High Heat: High heat is key to achieving those beautiful browned spots and a slightly puffy texture.
Variations:
- Corn Tortillas: For a traditional twist, try using masa harina (corn flour) instead of all-purpose flour. Follow a similar recipe, but be mindful of the different moisture content.
- Herb Tortillas: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or chives to the dough for an aromatic flavor boost.
- Spice it up!: Incorporate a pinch of chili powder or cumin into the dough for a hint of spice.
Nutritional Information (per tortilla, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Protein: 3-4g
- Fat: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 18-20g
These homemade street taco tortillas are a delicious and healthy addition to your favorite taco recipes. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and fresh flavor – you'll never want store-bought tortillas again! This easy recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes, and a great way to elevate your homemade cooking skills. They're also incredibly versatile; use them for burritos, quesadillas, or even just as a simple side with some salsa. Happy cooking!