How to Prepare Wheat or Corn Tortillas

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

There is nothing better than a freshly made tortilla! If you are tired of buying them at the supermarket, and seeing them break and get soaked as you try to roll them and stuff them with ingredients, here is a great way to make them easily at home.

Ingrediants

Wheat flour tortillas

For 8 tortillas

• 500 g of flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 240ml water (or milk for a softer consistency)
• 85 g of Lard

White cornmeal tortillas

For 24 tortillas

• 300 g of white corn flour
• 360 ml of water
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Kosher salt
• Seed oil for brushing

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Wheat flour tortillas

Step 1. In a medium-large bowl mix the flour, salt and yeast

Make sure you choose a bowl that fits all the ingredients.

Step 2. Add the lard and mix to remove all lumps

Help yourself with a fork and avoid kneading the dough for too long.

Step 3. Make a hole in the center of the dry ingredients

Step 4. Incorporate the water, about 100ml at a time, and mix it into the dough

Step 5. Knead to get a smooth consistency

The mixture should be slightly sticky and not hard. If necessary, add more water or more flour to achieve the desired result.

Step 6. Cover and set aside for 10 minutes

The yeast will begin to work, turning the dough into a soft tortilla mix.

Step 7. Make balls of the dough the size of an egg

Step 8. Roll out each ball with a rolling pin, make a circle about 15cm in diameter

Work the tortilla onto a floured surface.

Step 9. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat

If you prefer, grease it with oil or lard.

Step 10. Cook each tortilla 1/2 to 1 minute on each side

When it starts to bubble it will be ready to be turned.

Step 11. Flip it over and cook for another 20-30 seconds

Step 12. Continue and cook the rest of the dough

Step 13. Experiment and make different types of tortillas

Add a personal touch to the basic recipe with some spice or some unique flavored ingredient.

• Try some sugar and cinnamon, add them to the flour for a recipe thick with sweetness. Alternatively, deep-fry the dough and then sprinkle your hot tortilla with sugar and cinnamon.

  

• Add a spicy touch with chili powder or ground pepper!

  

• A few chopped dried tomatoes added to the flour will give a unique flavor to your tortilla and will go perfectly with your fish and meat dishes.

  

Method 2 of 2: White cornmeal tortillas

Step 1. Combine the salt and flour in a bowl

Mix the ingredients evenly.

Step 2. Incorporate the water, a little at a time, until you see that the dough has reached the desired consistency

Step 3. Knead the dough

You will need to obtain a consistency similar to that of a modeling clay: firm and elastic as well as slightly dry.

• Add water with a spoon if the dough seems too dry, if it is too dry add some flour.

  

Step 4. Take a generous spoonful of dough and roll it out with your hands to make a small, flat, round tortilla

Remember that traditionally corn tortillas are smaller than flour tortillas.

• If you want to give your tortillas a more uniform appearance, use a special press covered with cling film.

  

• Alternatively, roll them out with a rolling pin for a more artisanal result.

  

Step 5. Before cooking make sure your tortillas have the right texture

If the dough crumbles it means that it is too dry and you need to add more water. If it sticks to the press or rolling pin, maybe you have overdone it with the water, add more flour.

• This is your last chance to get the right consistency before cooking.

  

Step 6. Decide whether to press and roll out all of your tortillas before cooking or whether to make them one by one

But know that they will cook in no time and that it is therefore preferable to prepare them all in advance. If you have a tortilla press, you should be able to have enough time to mash them as they cook.

Step 7. Heat a cast iron pot over medium heat

A cast iron pan distributes the heat evenly and quickly and is therefore ideal for this preparation, alternatively choose a non-stick pan.

Step 8. Lightly brush the tortilla with oil and then place it in the pot

Cook it for 1-2 minutes on each side or until it begins to blacken and curl slightly. Turn it upside down and cook for another 15 seconds on the opposite side, then remove it from the heat.

• If you are using a cast iron pan you can cook more than one tortilla at the same time.

  

Step 9. Repeat the process with the remaining dough

If you want to serve them immediately, keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.

Advice

• Making good tortillas takes some practice. Over time, you will be able to create a nice round shape.
• If you don't like fluffy tortillas, you can eliminate the yeast from the ingredients.
• Keeping the cooking plate hot will allow you to cook the tortillas faster. If it seems to you that they are in danger of burning even before they are cooked, turn the heat down slightly.
• On the web you can find tortilla presses that come directly from Mexico, they are practical and cheap.
• If you want to make fewer tortillas, use half of the ingredients listed.
• If you don't have a rolling pin you can use a glass bottle or even a broomstick!

Warnings

• Store leftover tortillas in the refrigerator after packing them in a plastic food-safe bag. Since they contain no preservatives they will not last long if left at room temperature.
• Traditionally, tortillas are made with white corn or maize flour. Depending on the flour used, you will need to adjust the quantity and type of ingredients added to obtain the correct result.