How to Make This Simple, Delicious Staple
Are you tired of store-bought tortillas that lack flavor and texture? Why not try making your own homemade flour tortillas? Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also taste infinitely better than store-bought options.

A Brief History of Tortillas
Tortillas have been a staple food in Mexico for centuries. Their history dates back to 10,000 BC, and they were popularized when a peasant prepared a flat cornbread for the Mayan king. Missionaries later spread the recipe for tortillas throughout California, and today, flour tortillas are favored over white bread for their versatility and low-fat content.
Why Make Your Own Homemade Flour Tortillas?
Making your own tortillas is a rewarding experience that allows you to control the ingredients and flavor profile. You can experiment with different flours, add herbs or spices, or even incorporate whole grains for a healthier twist. Plus, homemade tortillas are fresher and tastier than store-bought options.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Tortillas
- Use high-quality flour: All-purpose flour works well, but you can also experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking the dough can lead to tough tortillas.
- Use a tortilla press: A tortilla press is a great tool for shaping tortillas evenly. If you don’t have one, you can roll the dough out with a rolling pin.
- Cook over medium heat: Cook the tortillas over medium heat to prevent them from burning.
- Store properly: Store leftover tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature.
By making your own homemade flour tortillas, you can elevate your Mexican cuisine to new heights. So next time you’re craving tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, give it a try!
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How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas
Recipe by Jason Hill – CookingSessions.comIngredients
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup of shortening or lard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
- First, stir 4 cups all purpose flour and 1/8 teaspoon baking powder in a large bowl. Next add 1/2 cup of shortening or lard into the mixture and work the fat into the flour with your hands.
- Dissolve 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt into 1 1/2 cups of warm water. Drizzle this slowly into the flour mixture and mix until you have a soft dough. Knead for 1 minute, adding flour or small amounts of lukewarm water if needed. The dough should not be too wet or dry.
- Once it is at the right consistency, turn bowl over to cover the dough and let it rest for about 20 minutes.
- Next, divide the dough into 12 pieces and form into balls. As you form and roll the balls, coat your hands with a little bit of shortening. Flatten and cover balls with plastic wrap and let rest for 20-30 minutes.
- To prepare the tortillas, preheat a griddle over medium heat. Remove a flattened ball and roll it into a circle. A small rolling pin works well. Turn the dough around after each stroke with the rolling pin. Roll as thin as possible, stretching with your fingers if necessary. Place each rolled tortilla on a hot cast iron skillet, pan or griddle and flip over every 15-20 seconds. Youll know its done when it develops brown spots on each side and it bubbles up.
- Serve these warm tortillas with butter right off the pan. You can even sprinkle them with a bit of cinnamon sugar for a dessert treat.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out!