Flour Tortillas (Tortillas de Harina)
Flour tortillas are a classic staple found in many Mexican kitchens, offering a soft, warm, and fluffy base for a variety of dishes. Made with traditional ingredients like shortening or lard, this recipe ensures authentic flavors that you simply can't find in store-bought versions. Though making tortillas from scratch might feel daunting, the process is straightforward, and the rewards are incomparable. Enjoy them fresh with your favorite fillings or as a standalone snack with a bit of butter.
Ingredients:
- 🥣 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 🧂 3 teaspoons salt
- 🥄 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 🧈 1 cup shortening
- 💧 2 cups hot water
Instructions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of salt, and 3 teaspoons of baking powder. Mix well to ensure even distribution. - Incorporate Shortening:
Add 1 cup of shortening to the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a mixer to blend until the mixture resembles a coarse meal with no large chunks. - Add Hot Water:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and then let it sit for 2 minutes off the heat. Gradually add the hot water to the flour mixture in at least four parts, mixing continuously. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. - Knead the Dough:
Once the dough forms and separates cleanly from the sides of the bowl, transfer it to a work surface. Knead it gently to form a smooth ball. - Rest the Dough:
Place the dough ball back into the bowl and cover it with a cloth. Allow it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture. - Form Testales:
Divide the rested dough into balls of roughly 3 tablespoons each. Knead each one briefly and shape them into thick disks known as "Testales." - Roll Out the Tortillas:
Roll each testal into a thin round or any shape you can manage. It's okay if they aren't perfectly round; what's important is their thinness. - Cook the Tortillas:
Preheat a griddle over low to medium heat. Place a rolled tortilla onto the hot griddle. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook for about 15 seconds on the second side. If the tortilla puffs up with air, let it be; the hot air helps cook it quickly. Give it one last flip, and cook for another 15 seconds until lightly browned. - Store and Enjoy:
If you're not using the tortillas immediately, store the uncooked testales or cooked tortillas in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 7 days. Enjoy fresh with butter or filled with your favorite ingredients.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment: Mixer, Spatula, Griddle, Rolling Pin
Servings: Makes about 20 tortillas, depending on the size
Cooking Tips: Keep an eye on the heat; the griddle should be hot enough to cook quickly but not so hot that it burns the tortillas.
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YouTube channel - No Way José Cuisine: https://www.youtube.com/@NoWayJoseCuisine
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