Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas
Discover the delightful taste of Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas, made from fresh milled hard red spring wheat berries. These wholesome tortillas are a fantastic addition to any meal, whether you're crafting tacos, wraps, or perfecting your quesadilla skills. With a crisp exterior and soft, chewy interior, they are perfect for holding all your favorite fillings. This simple recipe breaks down the process of creating these nutritious tortillas at home, ensuring you can enjoy fresh, delicious results every time. Ideal for meal preps or family gatherings, these tortillas offer a healthy alternative that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh milled hard red spring wheat berries
4 cups (Milled into flour)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (Leavening agent)
Shortening
2 tablespoons (Can substitute with lard, extra-virgin olive oil, softened butter, or margarine)
Water
1 1/2 cups (Room temperature)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the freshly milled whole wheat flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
2
Using your fingers, mix in the shortening (or your preferred fat) until the texture resembles coarse cornmeal.
3
Gradually add the water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
4
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period helps to relax the gluten, making your tortillas easier to roll out.
5
After resting, divide the dough into roughly 8 equal pieces for large tortillas (or 12 for smaller ones). Shape each piece into a ball.
6
On a lightly floured surface, using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a thin, round tortilla. Start rolling from the center and rotate the dough 90 degrees frequently to maintain a circular shape.
7
Preheat a large skillet (cast iron is recommended) over medium-high heat until hot.
8
Place the rolled tortilla in the dry, hot skillet. Cook each side for about 5-10 seconds or until the surface becomes slightly bubbly, and you see light golden-brown spots forming, which indicates doneness.
9
Immediately stack the cooked tortillas and keep them wrapped in a damp cloth or inside a tortilla warmer to maintain softness as you cook the remaining tortillas.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas?
They are nutritious tortillas made from fresh milled hard red spring wheat berries, featuring a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
What type of wheat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 4 cups of fresh milled hard red spring wheat berries.
How many ingredients are in this tortilla recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: fresh milled wheat berries, salt, baking powder, shortening, and water.
What is the purpose of baking powder in this recipe?
Baking powder acts as the leavening agent to give the tortillas their texture.
What can I use as a substitute for shortening?
You can substitute shortening with lard, extra-virgin olive oil, softened butter, or margarine.
What temperature should the water be?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of room temperature water.
How do I mix the fat into the flour?
Use your fingers to mix the shortening or fat into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse cornmeal.
How long should I knead the tortilla dough?
The dough should be kneaded for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Why does the dough need to rest?
Resting helps to relax the gluten, which makes the tortillas much easier to roll out.
How long should the dough rest before rolling?
The dough should rest for at least 30 minutes, covered with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
How many tortillas does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields roughly 8 large tortillas or 12 smaller ones.
What is the secret to rolling a round tortilla?
Start rolling from the center and rotate the dough 90 degrees frequently to maintain a circular shape.
What type of skillet is recommended for cooking?
A cast iron skillet is highly recommended for cooking these tortillas.
Should I use oil in the skillet when cooking?
No, the tortillas should be cooked in a dry, hot skillet.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
The skillet should be preheated over medium-high heat.
How long do I cook each side of the tortilla?
Each side only needs about 5-10 seconds of cooking time.
How can I tell when the tortilla is done?
The tortilla is done when the surface becomes slightly bubbly and light golden-brown spots form.
How do I keep the tortillas soft after they are cooked?
Immediately stack the cooked tortillas and keep them wrapped in a damp cloth or inside a tortilla warmer.
Are these tortillas suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they are ideal for meal preps and can be used for tacos, wraps, or quesadillas.
Is this a whole grain recipe?
Yes, it is a whole grain recipe using fresh milled whole wheat flour.
Can I use these for quesadillas?
Absolutely, these tortillas are perfect for perfecting your quesadilla skills.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, which can be adjusted to taste.
How do I divide the dough?
After resting, divide the dough into 8 or 12 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
What is the texture of the finished tortillas?
They have a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
Can I use lard for this recipe?
Yes, lard is a suitable substitute for shortening in this recipe.
What is the preparation for the wheat berries?
The wheat berries should be milled into fresh flour before starting the recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and healthy alternative to store-bought tortillas.
How do I avoid the dough sticking while rolling?
Roll the tortillas on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
Can I use margarine in this recipe?
Yes, margarine is listed as a possible fat substitute for shortening.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to whisk together the freshly milled whole wheat flour, salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.