Making homemade flour tortillas is surprisingly easy and results in soft, warm tortillas that are perfect for wraps, tacos, or even just served with a bit of butter. Here’s a simple recipe:
Homemade Flour Tortillas
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
- 3/4 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
Instructions:
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Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
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Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Pour in the vegetable oil (or melted butter). Use your hands or a fork to mix it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add the warm water, a little at a time, stirring until the dough starts to come together. You may not need the full 3/4 cup of water, so add just enough to form a soft dough.
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Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead it for about 3-5 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a bit more water, a teaspoon at a time.
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Rest the Dough:
- Divide the dough into 8-10 equal balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps to relax the gluten and makes the tortillas easier to roll out.
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Roll Out the Tortillas:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin, flat circle. Try to make them as thin as possible, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect circles!
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Cook the Tortillas:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (no oil needed).
- Place the rolled-out tortilla in the hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until small bubbles start to form. Flip the tortilla and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown spots appear. If the tortilla puffs up, that’s great — it means it’s perfectly cooked!
- Remove from the skillet and place the tortilla on a clean kitchen towel. Cover it to keep it warm while you cook the remaining tortillas.
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Serve:
- Once all the tortillas are cooked, you can serve them warm with your favorite fillings or sides.
Tips:
- Storage: You can store leftover tortillas in a plastic bag or airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them by placing them on a skillet or in a microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.
- Flavor Variation: For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of garlic powder or a pinch of chili powder to the dough.
- Make-Ahead: You can also freeze the tortillas. Simply layer parchment paper between each tortilla and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them in a hot skillet or microwave.
Enjoy your homemade flour tortillas! They’re soft, delicious, and perfect for any kind of taco, burrito, or wrap.