Ah, tortillas—those warm, pillowy discs of delight. Who knew something so simple could stir up such a whirlwind of flavor memories? I remember the first time I made them, nervously watching the dough bubble and puff on a sweltering summer afternoon, while the kitchen filled with the nostalgic aroma of toasted flour. It’s like a culinary magic trick that’s surprisingly easy, and yet, a little unpredictable—much like trying to predict which celebrity will drop a surprise album next.
Steps
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add in the softened butter and pour in the hot water. Stir the mixture until a rough dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it by hand for 1-2 minutes, shaping it into a smooth ball. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 12-14 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Roll each ball out into an 8-inch circle using a rolling pin or tortilla press.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place a tortilla in the skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds until bubbles form on the surface. Flip the tortilla and cook for another 30 seconds or until lightly golden.
- Serve the tortillas warm, or store them for later use. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 cup hot water
- Olive oil, for cooking (optional)
FAQ
- How long can homemade flour tortillas be stored?
- Homemade flour tortillas can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
- What is the best way to cook tortillas for optimal texture?
- Using a cast-iron skillet with a small drizzle of olive oil is recommended for the best texture. Cook the tortillas until bubbles appear, then flip them and cook until they are lightly golden.
- Can I use an alternative to butter in this recipe?
- Yes, while butter adds a rich flavor, you can substitute it with coconut oil if preferred.
- Do I need special equipment to roll out the tortillas?
- A rolling pin is sufficient for rolling out tortillas, but a tortilla press can make the process even easier and more efficient.
- What can I serve with these homemade tortillas?
- These tortillas are versatile and pair well with fajitas, tacos, quesadillas, skillet verde chicken, chili, and more.
Tips
- Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes after kneading to help the gluten settle, resulting in softer tortillas.
- Rolling out all the dough balls before starting to cook the tortillas can streamline the cooking process and ensure a smoother workflow.
- Use a cast-iron skillet with a small amount of olive oil to cook the tortillas, as this can enhance the texture and flavor compared to cooking without oil.
- Store the cooked tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
Equipment
- Tortilla Press – While not required, it can make the process of rolling out tortillas easier and more uniform.
- Cast-Iron Skillet – Recommended for cooking the tortillas to achieve the best texture and flavor.
