Frequently Asked Questions
What are Soft Homemade Flour Tortillas?
They are soft, pliable flatbreads made from scratch, perfect for dishes like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
How many tortillas does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields exactly 12 tortillas.
What are the main ingredients for these tortillas?
The ingredients include 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 5 tablespoons of lard or vegetable shortening, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of very warm water.
Can I substitute lard in this recipe?
Yes, you can use an equal amount of softened vegetable shortening instead of lard.
How much flour should I start with in the food processor?
You should combine 2 3/4 cups of the sifted all-purpose flour with the fat initially.
Why should the flour be sifted?
Sifting the flour helps ensure a smooth texture and even distribution of the fat during the mixing process.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the sifted flour and softened fat in a food processor.
How do I prepare the salt for the dough?
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 2/3 cup of very warm water before adding it to the mixture.
What is the recommended method for mixing the dough?
The recipe recommends using a food processor to pulse the flour and fat, then adding the water while running.
What should the consistency of the tortilla dough be?
The dough should be medium-stiff; it should not be too firm, but not as soft as typical bread dough.
What should I do if my dough is too stiff?
If the dough is too stiff, divide it, sprinkle with 1 or 2 tablespoons of warm water, and process it again.
How long does the dough need to rest?
The dough balls should rest for at least 30 minutes covered with plastic wrap.
Why is resting the dough necessary?
Resting allows the gluten to relax, which makes the dough much easier to roll out without it shrinking back.
How large should I roll each tortilla?
Each dough ball should be rolled out into a 7-inch circle.
How can I keep the dough from sticking while rolling?
Use a lightly floured surface and add small amounts of flour as needed while rolling.
What is the best tool for cooking the tortillas?
A flat cast iron griddle heated over medium-high heat is ideal.
How long do I cook the first side of the tortilla?
Cook the first side for 20 to 45 seconds until bubbles form and the underside is lightly browned.
How long do I cook the second side?
Flip the tortilla and cook for an additional 30 to 45 seconds.
How do I keep the cooked tortillas warm?
Transfer each cooked tortilla to a heavy towel and wrap them to maintain heat and moisture.
What is the best way to store these tortillas?
Place the cooled tortillas in a sealable plastic bag and keep them in the refrigerator.
How do I reheat the flour tortillas?
Wrap them in aluminum foil and heat in a 325 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
What is the calorie count per tortilla?
Each tortilla contains approximately 150 calories.
How much fat is in one tortilla?
There are 6.25 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of these tortillas?
Each serving provides 2.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each tortilla?
Each tortilla contains 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Are these tortillas healthier than store-bought?
Yes, they are considered a healthier alternative because they use simple ingredients without commercial preservatives.
What cuisine is this recipe associated with?
This recipe is a staple of Mexican cuisine.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, there is no sugar included in this tortilla recipe.
Can I use these for meal prep?
Yes, they are ideal for meal prepping as they store well in the refrigerator.
How many grams of fiber are in a serving?
Each tortilla contains 0.75 grams of fiber.