How to Make Fresh Tortillas

Make your own authentic Mexican tortillas.

Tortillas are a staple food in the Mexican diet. They are used in many Mexican recipes including enchiladas and tostadas. The tortillas can be wrapped around, or filled with, just about anything to create a healthy meal for breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner. This tortilla recipe requires minimal skill and takes only minutes to prepare. It will add a fresher flavor to your Mexican or southwest recipes.

Things You'll Need

• 3 cups unbleached, all purpose flour plus a small amount for dusting
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 4 tbsp. vegetable shortening
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• Rolling pin
• Skillet or griddle pan
• Large mixing bowl

Instructions

1. Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well mixed.

2. Cut in the shortening with a fork or pastry cutter. Continue cutting until the shortening is well mixed and the mixture resembles small, coarse crumbs.

3. Add the water slowly, about 1/4 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. The dough must not be sticky.

4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes. The dough will be smooth and pliable.

5. Divide the dough into 12 equally sized balls. The balls will be approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Allow the balls to rest for 10 minutes.

6. Heat the skillet or griddle pan over medium-high heat.

7. Roll one dough ball into a 7-inch wide circle using the rolling pin. Dust with flour as needed to prevent sticking.

8. Place the tortilla into the skillet and cook for approximately 30 seconds on each side. The tortilla is done when it puffs up slightly and there are brown spots on each side. Once done, place it in a kitchen towel-lined bowl. Cover the bowl to keep it soft until ready to serve.

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 until all tortillas have been cooked. Serve immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Corn tortillas can also be made by mixing masa harina and hot water to form a dough. Then follow the same directions for making flour tortillas.

• Lightly spray the skillet before cooking, if desired. This will change the flavor and texture of the tortilla, so be careful when choosing the oil to spray.

• Tortillas can be frozen for up to a month if wrapped well. When needed, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

References

• Taste of Home: How to Make Homemade Tortillas
• Mexican Food Recipes: Authentic Mexican Food
• Mexican Food Recipes: How to Make Flour Tortillas

Resources

• Texas Cooking; How to Make Flour Tortillas (with Mixed Results); Patricia Mitchell
• Mexican Food Recipes: How to Make Corn Tortillas
• Mexican Food Recipes: Whole Wheat Tortillas Recipe