Making large flour tortillas from scratch is a straightforward process. Here’s a basic recipe to make large flour tortillas at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted lard
- 3/4 cup warm water
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the vegetable oil or melted lard to the dry ingredients. Mix until the fat is evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the warm water to the mixture while stirring. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to form the dough. The dough should come together and be soft but not too sticky. You may need to adjust the water or flour slightly to achieve the right consistency.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on how large you want your tortillas. A common size for large tortillas is about 8-10 inches in diameter.
- Roll each portion of dough into a ball and place them on a tray or baking sheet. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the tortillas.
- Preheat a griddle or a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Take one dough ball at a time and roll it out into a large, thin circle. You can use a rolling pin for this. If needed, dust the dough with a little extra flour to prevent sticking.
- Place the rolled-out dough onto the hot griddle or skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until you see bubbles forming and the tortilla begins to puff up. You can lightly press down with a spatula to encourage puffing.
- When the tortilla has browned slightly and has a few charred spots, it’s done. Remove it from the griddle and place it on a plate. Cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm while you cook the remaining tortillas.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls, rolling them out and cooking them on the griddle.
- Serve the fresh, warm flour tortillas with your favorite fillings, such as fajitas, burritos, quesadillas, or use them as a base for tacos.
Homemade flour tortillas are delicious and versatile. You can store any leftover tortillas in an airtight container for a few days or freeze them for longer shelf life. Enjoy your homemade tortillas with a variety of fillings!
