3 min read

Crafting Soft Homemade Tortillas: A Flavorful Journey

Introduction:

When it comes to Mexican cuisine, few things beat the taste and versatility of soft homemade tortillas. Whether you're wrapping them around savory fillings for tacos, quesadillas, or burritos, or simply savoring them with a touch of butter and salt, homemade tortillas are a game-changer. In this blog, we'll guide you through the steps of making these pillowy, soft tortillas right in your own kitchen. Get ready to elevate your Mexican food game and impress your family and friends!

 

Ingredients:

Before we embark on our tortilla-making adventure, let's gather the essential ingredients:

Note: This recipe makes approximately 8-10 tortillas.

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil (or melted lard for traditional flavor)
  • 3/4 cup of warm water
 

Instructions:

Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process of making soft homemade tortillas:

Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
  • In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
  • Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
 
Step 2: Adding the Wet Ingredients
  • Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
  • Pour in 1/4 cup of vegetable oil (or melted lard for a traditional touch).
  • Gradually add 3/4 cup of warm water to the well.
 
Step 3: Kneading the Dough
  • Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine the wet and dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  • Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and
 
Step 4: Resting the Dough
  • Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the mixing bowl.
  • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
  • Let the dough rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the tortillas easier to roll out.
 
Step 5: Dividing and Rolling
  • After resting, divide the dough into small, golf ball-sized portions.
  • Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a tray or plate.
  • Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  • Roll each dough ball into a thin circle using a rolling pin or tortilla press. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
 
Step 6: Cooking the Tortillas
  • Place a rolled-out tortilla onto the hot skillet or griddle.
  • Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side or until it puffs up and develops golden brown spots.
 
Step 7: Keep Warm
  • As you cook each tortilla, transfer it to a clean kitchen towel and fold it over to keep them warm and soft.
 
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
  • Your soft homemade tortillas are ready to be served.
  • Fill them with your favorite ingredients, be it grilled chicken, sautéed veggies, or simply some melted cheese.
  • Roll them up and savor the homemade goodness!
 

Conclusion: 

Making soft homemade tortillas is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and a little practice, you can create soft, pillowy tortillas that will take your Mexican dishes to the next level. Enjoy your homemade tortillas in tacos, quesadillas, or any way you desire!