Large Flour Tortillas

Table of Contents

Description:

These homemade flour tortillas are soft, chewy, and perfect for wraps, tacos, burritos, or just to enjoy with your favorite dips. They are easy to make with minimal ingredients and can be made to your desired thickness. Making your own tortillas allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize them to your taste.

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or lard for more flavor)
1 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
1 tbsp butter (optional, for softening)

Instructions:

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add Fat: Add the vegetable oil (or lard) to the dry mixture and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Water: Gradually add warm water, stirring with a spoon or your hands, until the dough begins to come together. You may need a little more or less water, so add it slowly.
Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rest Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This helps the gluten relax and results in softer tortillas.
Divide and Roll: Once rested, divide the dough into 8-10 even balls (depending on your desired tortilla size). Roll each ball into a thin, even circle, about 8-10 inches in diameter.
Cook Tortillas: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla on the hot surface and cook for about 30 seconds or until bubbles form, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds. If you want extra softness, brush with butter after flipping.
Serve: Remove from heat, and stack the tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.

Notes:

Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your tortillas by how thin you roll them. For thicker, softer tortillas, roll them slightly thicker.
Storage: Store in an airtight container or plastic wrap to keep them soft. You can also freeze them for later use by separating them with parchment paper.
Customization: Add herbs like cilantro or garlic powder to flavor the dough if desired.

Tips:

For fluffier tortillas, rest the dough for a longer period, up to 2 hours.
Use a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick skillet for best results.
If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a few drops of water.

Servings:

This recipe makes about 8-10 large tortillas, depending on the size you roll them.

Nutritional Information (Per Tortilla):

Calories: 140-160 kcal (depending on size and oil used)
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
- Saturated fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
Sodium: 300mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Benefits:

Customizable Ingredients: You control the amount of oil, salt, and flour, making it easy to adjust for dietary preferences.
No Preservatives: Homemade tortillas are free from additives and preservatives found in store-bought versions.
Versatile: These tortillas can be used in a variety of dishes and can be enjoyed with various fillings, from savory to sweet.

Q&A for Large Flour Tortillas:

Q: Can I make these tortillas without baking powder? A: Yes, baking powder is optional, but it helps make the tortillas slightly puffier. If you leave it out, your tortillas will still turn out fine but may be a bit denser.

Q: Can I substitute whole wheat flour? A: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but it might change the texture and flavor slightly. You may need to add a little more water as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.