Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Quickly mix to combine.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Add ½ cup of hot water and ¼ cup of vegetable oil to the flour mixture.
Knead the Dough:
Use your hands to knead the dough for 3-5 minutes on a flat surface. The dough should be soft and smooth. “Massage” the dough well for the best texture.
Rest the Dough:
After kneading, let the dough rest for 15 minutes for a quick result, or 30 minutes for a perfect texture.
Shape the Dough:
Roll the dough into a log shape and cut it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Cover the balls with a cloth so they don’t dry out.
Roll Out the Tortillas:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll each dough ball into a thin circle (about 6-8 inches in diameter).
Cook the Tortillas:
Heat a non-stick skillet or a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Cook each tortilla for 30-60 seconds on each side, or until bubbles form and the surface has golden brown spots.
Keep Tortillas Soft:
Place the cooked tortillas on a towel and cover them to keep them soft and warm. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Serving Suggestions:
Use these tortillas for tacos, wraps, or burritos.
Serve them warm with butter, or as a side with soups and stews.
Pair with grilled meats, vegetables, or dips like guacamole and salsa.
Cooking Tips:
Use hot water for softer dough, which helps the flour absorb the liquid better.
Don’t skip resting the dough; it helps make the tortillas more elastic and easier to roll out.
Cook on high heat to create bubbles and spots quickly without over-drying the tortillas.
Nutritional Benefits:
These tortillas are made with simple ingredients and contain no preservatives.
Homemade tortillas provide a source of carbohydrates and healthy fats (from the vegetable oil).
Dietary Information:
Vegan-friendly.
Dairy-free and egg-free.
Nutritional Facts (per tortilla, approx.):
Calories: 160
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 150mg
Storage:
Room Temperature: Keep tortillas covered with a towel and they’ll stay soft for up to 1 day.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet before serving.
Freezing: Wrap tortillas individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat as needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Simple ingredients: Requires only pantry staples.
Stays soft: Even after being refrigerated overnight, these tortillas remain soft.
Easy to make: With minimal kneading and rolling, this is a no-fuss recipe.
Versatile: Perfect for a variety of meals, from wraps to snacks.
Conclusion:
These homemade tortillas are so soft and versatile that you’ll find yourself making them time and time again. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create tortillas that are much fresher and tastier than store-bought. Enjoy them with your favorite fillings or as a delicious side to your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be denser. You can use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter result.
How do I keep the tortillas soft after cooking?
Keep the tortillas covered with a towel after cooking and store them in an airtight container to retain their softness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and cooking.
Can I use butter or another fat instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, melted butter or coconut oil can be used instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor.
Why do I need to rest the dough?
Resting the dough helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out and ensuring softer tortillas.
Can I make these tortillas gluten-free?
You can try using gluten-free flour, but the texture and pliability will be different.
How do I reheat leftover tortillas?
Reheat tortillas in a skillet for 30 seconds on each side or in the microwave for about 10 seconds each.
Why are my tortillas not bubbling?
Make sure your skillet is hot enough. Cooking on high heat is key to getting those signature bubbles.
Can I add flavors to the dough?
Yes, you can add herbs, spices, or even minced garlic to the dough for extra flavor.
How thin should I roll the tortillas?
Roll the tortillas as thin as possible, about 1/8 inch thick, to get the soft, thin texture typical of tortillas.