Simple Tortillas
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
plus additional as needed, 298g
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup of any one of the following: 4 tablespoons butter
room temperature, shortening, lard, or vegetable oil, 57g
- 7/8 to 1 cup hot tap water
200g to 227g
Directions
- 1
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 2
Add the lard (or butter, or shortening; if you're using vegetable oil, add it in step 3). Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the fat into the flour until it disappears. Coating most of the flour with fat inhibits gluten formation, making the tortillas easier to roll out.
- 3
Pour in the lesser amount of hot water (plus the oil, if you're using it), and stir briskly with a fork or whisk to bring the dough together into a shaggy mass. Stir in additional water as needed to bring the dough together.
- 4
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead briefly, just until the dough forms a ball. If the dough is very sticky, gradually add a bit more flour. Perfect your technique Blog How to make tortillas from scratch By Kye Ameden
- 5
Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Round the pieces into balls, flatten slightly, and allow them to rest, covered, for about 30 minutes (see tips, below). If you wish, coat each ball lightly in oil before covering; this ensures the dough doesn't dry out.
- 6
While the dough rests, preheat an ungreased cast iron griddle or skillet over medium high heat, about 400°F.
- 7
Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll into a round about 8" in diameter. Keep the remaining dough covered while you work. Fry the tortilla in the ungreased pan for about 30 seconds on each side. Wrap the tortilla in a clean cloth when it comes off the griddle, to keep it pliable. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
- 8
If there are leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in an ungreased skillet, or for a few seconds in the microwave.
Simple Tortillas
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About this Recipe
Imagine warm, tender tortillas, fresh off the griddle, ready to cradle your favorite fillings. Our Simple Tortillas recipe makes achieving this homemade dream surprisingly easy, bringing authentic flavor and texture right to your kitchen table.
This recipe empowers you to create delicious tortillas with just a few pantry staples: King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour, baking powder, salt, your choice of fat, and hot water. The precise measurements for these core ingredients are key to a dough that's wonderfully pliable, allowing you to roll out perfect rounds that cook up beautifully. It's a foundational recipe that delivers genuine homemade quality.
You can expect tortillas that are soft, flexible, and have a subtle chew, far superior to many store-bought versions. The light, clean flavor of the all-purpose flour truly shines through, making these a versatile base for any meal. Despite the impressive result, the process is straightforward, culminating in fresh tortillas ready in a total of 35 minutes, perfect for any night of the week.
One of the best features of this recipe is its flexibility with the fat component. You can choose between room temperature butter for a rich, tender result, shortening for that classic pliable texture, lard for the most traditional and flavorful experience, or vegetable oil for a neutral and convenient option. Experiment to find your favorite, or simply use what you have on hand.
These Simple Tortillas are perfect for everything from quick weeknight tacos and burritos to a comforting side for stews, soups, or even as a simple accompaniment to scrambled eggs.