Buttery Flour Tortillas
Discover the art of making homemade buttery flour tortillas with this straightforward recipe. These versatile tortillas are the perfect accompaniment for a variety of dishes like quesadillas, fajitas, and burritos. Soft, flexible, and bursting with flavor, they are a delightful addition to any meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch that yields 30-35 tortillas, ensuring you have plenty to enjoy or share with family and friends. Get ready to elevate your culinary experience as you master the technique of tortilla-making!
30
Servings
114
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose white flour
1 kg (Sifted)
Vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups (Measured)
Baking powder
1 tablespoon (Measured)
Salt
2 tablespoons (Measured)
Warm water
1 1/2 cups (Warmed to about 100°F)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
2
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture. Pour the vegetable oil and warm water into the well.
3
Using your hands or a fork, gradually mix the flour into the oil and water until a cohesive dough begins to form.
4
Once the dough is firm and elastic, turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-8 minutes until smooth.
5
Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions (roughly the size of a golf ball) by pinching off pieces with your thumb and index finger.
6
Shape each portion into a smooth ball known as a 'testal.' Place the testales on a floured surface, such as a cookie sheet, and cover them with a damp towel.
7
Allow the testales to rest for about 30 minutes, allowing the gluten to relax, which makes rolling easier.
8
Lightly flour a flat surface. Take one testal and flatten it slightly with your palm. Flour your rolling pin and roll out the testal into a circle about 6 inches in diameter, using even pressure.
9
Preheat a comal, flat griddle or skillet over medium heat (setting around 6 on an electric stove). There’s no need to oil the skillet, as the dough contains enough oil.
10
Cook each tortilla for about 1 minute on the first side until bubbles form on the surface. Flip it over and cook for an additional 30 seconds on the other side.
11
Once cooked, remove the tortilla from the heat and keep it warm in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. Repeat the process with the remaining testales.
12
Serve the tortillas warm, or allow them to cool completely on a flat surface before storing them in bags for refrigeration or freezing.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
13g
Carbs
2g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Buttery Flour Tortillas?
Buttery Flour Tortillas are soft, flexible, and flavorful homemade tortillas that serve as the perfect accompaniment for dishes like quesadillas, fajitas, and burritos.
How many tortillas does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 30 to 35 tortillas, depending on the size of the dough portions you create.
What type of flour is recommended for these tortillas?
The recipe calls for 1 kg of all-purpose white flour, which should be sifted before use.
What is the secret to making these tortillas soft and flexible?
The combination of vegetable oil, warm water, and allowing the dough to rest for 30 minutes ensures the gluten relaxes, resulting in a soft and flexible texture.
What is a 'testal' in tortilla making?
A 'testal' is a small portion of dough shaped into a smooth ball. In this recipe, they should be roughly the size of a golf ball.
How long should I knead the tortilla dough?
Once the dough becomes firm and elastic, you should knead it on a floured surface for about 5 to 8 minutes until it is smooth.
Why do I need to let the dough rest?
Resting the dough for about 30 minutes allows the gluten to relax, which makes the rolling process much easier and prevents the dough from snapping back.
What temperature should the water be when mixing the dough?
The water should be warmed to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit to help the ingredients combine properly.
Do I need to grease the skillet or comal before cooking?
No, there is no need to oil the skillet or comal because the dough already contains enough oil to prevent sticking.
How do I know when it is time to flip the tortilla?
Cook the first side for about 1 minute until bubbles begin to form on the surface, then flip it to the other side.
How long does each tortilla take to cook?
Each tortilla takes about 1 minute on the first side and approximately 30 seconds on the second side.
What heat setting should I use on an electric stove?
For an electric stove, a medium heat setting around 6 is recommended for cooking the tortillas.
How big should I roll out the tortillas?
Each testal should be rolled out into a circle approximately 6 inches in diameter using even pressure with a rolling pin.
How should I store leftover tortillas?
Allow them to cool completely on a flat surface, then place them in bags for refrigeration or freezing.
What is the best way to keep tortillas warm while cooking the rest?
Keep the cooked tortillas in a dedicated tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to retain their heat and softness.
Are these tortillas suitable for burritos?
Yes, these buttery flour tortillas are flexible and large enough to be used for burritos, as well as fajitas and quesadillas.
What are the nutritional facts per tortilla?
Each tortilla contains approximately 114 calories, 6g of fat, 13g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein.
What is the fiber content of one tortilla?
Each tortilla provides approximately 1 gram of fiber.
Can I use a fork to mix the dough?
Yes, you can use your hands or a fork to gradually mix the flour into the oil and water until the dough begins to form.
How much baking powder is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of baking powder, which helps the tortillas puff slightly during cooking.
How much salt is needed for 1 kg of flour?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of salt to season the 1 kg of all-purpose flour.
How much vegetable oil is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil for this recipe.
Should the tortillas be covered while they rest as testales?
Yes, the testales should be covered with a damp towel while resting to prevent the dough from drying out.
Is a comal necessary for this recipe?
While a comal is traditional, you can also use a flat griddle or a regular skillet over medium heat.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Breads and is a staple of Mexican cuisine.
How should I prepare the flour before mixing?
The flour should be sifted and then combined with the baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Can these tortillas be eaten cold?
While they can be eaten cold, they are best served warm for the most authentic and delicious experience.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the provided ingredients, this recipe does not list cholesterol as a significant component.
How do I ensure the dry ingredients are distributed evenly?
Mix the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly in a large bowl before creating a well for the liquids.
How much water is needed for the dough?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of warm water to achieve the correct dough consistency.