Fluffy and Delicious Flour Tortilla Recipe
Homemade tortillas are a staple in any Mexican or Tex-Mex kitchen. And let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like biting into a warm and freshly made flour tortilla. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortilla Recipe #1 in my family’s cookbook. This recipe is a classic that has been passed down from generation to generation because of its simplicity and deliciousness.
There is something truly special about homemade flour tortillas that sets them apart from commercial brands. Have you ever noticed how store-bought tortillas come hard and dry? That is because they are loaded with preservatives and other additives that make them last longer on the shelf but take away from their authentic flavor.
But when you make your own flour tortillas, not only do they taste better, but you also know exactly what goes into them. Aunt Sharleen’s recipe requires only a few basic ingredients such as all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, hot water, and vegetable shortening. That’s it! No chemicals or artificial flavors involved.
In this recipe article, I will be sharing with you the step-by-step guide to making Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortilla Recipe #1. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you won’t want to go back to store-bought tortillas ever again. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many great reasons why you will fall in love with Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortilla Recipe. First of all, who doesn’t love fresh, warm flour tortillas made from scratch? These homemade tortillas are far superior to the hard and tasteless store-bought versions. With just a few simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and vegetable shortening, you can have delicious, soft, and pillowy flour tortillas in less than an hour.
Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can use them as a vehicle for your favorite Tex-Mex fillings or turn them into taco shells, tortilla wraps or serve them alongside your favorite entrées. The possibilities are endless!
But perhaps the best reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s straight from Aunt Sharleen’s kitchen. This recipe has been passed down through generations of our family and has stood the test of time. It’s tried and true and always brings back memories of family gatherings and delicious meals.
So whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to explore new recipes or simply craving the warmth and comfort of homemade flour tortillas, Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortilla Recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and make any mealtime special.
Ingredient List
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water
The ingredient list may seem simple, but it is essential you have everything on hand before starting to make Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortillas. Flour tortillas historically have been made with only flour, water, salt, and fat. The vegetable shortening will give the tortillas a bit of crispiness without making them too hard like the lard shortening. The baking powder and warm water are important ingredients that help make these tortillas light and fluffy. Remember to measure out all your ingredients before you begin mixing your dough.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we know what we need for Sharleen’s Flour Tortilla Recipe #1, let’s get started with the recipe how-to! Follow along closely because this recipe might seem simple, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve.
Mixing the Dough
Step 1: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Adding Shortening
Now you need to pour in 1 cup of vegetable shortening into the dry mixture. Using your hands, work the shortening into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Adding Warm Water
Next, add 2 cups of warm water to the bowl little by little while kneading. You can use a stand mixer or do this manually. Keep adding water until you have a soft and elastic dough that doesn’t stick easily to your hands or the bowl.
Shaping and Cooking
Step 4: Dividing Dough
Divide the dough into equally sized balls. For Sharleen’s Flour Tortilla Recipe #1, 16 pieces would be perfect. Make sure the ball sizes are uniform to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Rolling Dough
Take one ball and place it on a lightly floured surface. Press it down gently, then use a rolling pin to roll it into a thin circle shape that is about 6 inches in diameter.
Step 6: Cooking Your Tortillas
Heat up an ungreased skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough that you can feel heat when hovering your hand above it. Cook each tortilla for about 30-40 seconds on each side or until both sides have golden brown spots. You can keep freshly cooked tortillas warm by wrapping them in a clean towel as you cook the rest.
Some Extra Tips
- If you prefer thinner tortillas, try rolling them out to about 8-9 inches in diameter instead of 6 inches.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavorings! Add some spices like paprika or garlic powder for an extra kick.
- When cooking your tortillas, make sure that your skillet is hot enough so your tortillas come out perfectly cooked without being hard.
Making homemade flour tortillas may seem daunting at first, but once you get a feel for it, you won’t want to go back to store-bought again! With these tips and tricks, you’ll become an expert in no time.
Substitutions and Variations
As much as we love Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortilla Recipe #1, there are times when you might not have all the ingredients on hand. Don’t worry – here are some substitutions and variations that work just as well:
– Vegetable Shortening: If you don’t have any vegetable shortening on hand, butter or lard can be used instead. Keep in mind that using lard will give your flour tortillas a softer texture, while butter will make them crispier.
– Baking Powder: Don’t have baking powder? No problem! You can use baking soda instead. Just remember to use half the amount of baking soda compared to baking powder. So if the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of baking powder, use only 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
– Flour: While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, if you don’t have any on hand, you can use bread flour or whole wheat flour instead. However, keep in mind that these flours will yield a different texture than all-purpose flour.
– Spices: To add extra flavor to your flour tortillas, try adding different spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some dried herbs like oregano or thyme.
– Sweet Tortillas: Want to switch things up and try a dessert version? Add a tablespoon of sugar to the dry ingredients and replace the vegetable shortening with butter or coconut oil. You can serve them with honey and cinnamon for a yummy treat.
Remember, experimenting with substitutions and variations is half the fun of cooking! Try out different combinations until you find one that suits your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your delicious Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortillas are hot and ready, it’s time to talk about serving and pairing! You can’t go wrong with Tex-Mex classics like taco shells or tortilla wraps, but don’t be afraid to get creative. These flour tortillas are perfect for all sorts of pairings – from savory to sweet.
If you’re looking to keep things classic, play up their slight sweetness and pair them with taco filling favorites like beef, chicken or vegetable fajitas. You can also use them as a base for homemade quesadillas – just add cheese, some veggies or meats if you like, fold and toast until everything is melted together in delicious harmony.
For dessert lovers, try lightly buttering and dusting tortillas with sugar-cinnamon to make a tempting sugary treat. While tacos and quesadillas are a great meal option for lunch or dinner, these homemade flour tortillas can also be perfect shells for delightful breakfast burritos. Fill them with eggs or sausage and smother in green chili sauce – there’s nothing better than a hearty breakfast to start the day!
These tortillas can last for many days when made ahead so I recommend making extras that you can enjoy throughout the week. The best part? You can customize some tortillas with veggies and proteins, while others will serve as sweet treats whenever cravings strike. Trust me, no matter how you dress these tortillas up, they’re always a hit.
So go ahead, make your very own Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortillas today and let your creativity run wild with pairings that fit your preferences. You won’t regret it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to flour tortillas, making them ahead of time can be a real time-saver. Fortunately, this recipe for Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortillas is perfect for doing so. Once your tortillas have cooled, you can seal them in a large plastic bag or container and store them at room temperature for up to three days.
If you need to keep your flour tortillas longer than that, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before using them again.
Reheating your flour tortillas is also quick and easy. Simply wrap a stack of tortillas in aluminum foil and place them in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm the tortillas for about 10 minutes or until they are heated through.
If you prefer to reheat your tortillas on the stovetop, place them one by one over medium heat on the griddle or in a frying pan. Let each side cook briefly until they are warmed up and pliable enough for use.
In summary, storing and reheating homemade flour tortillas couldn’t be any easier thanks to Aunt Sharleen’s recipe. So save yourself some time during meal prep by making these versatile and delicious tortillas ahead of time!
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the best ever flour tortillas, you need more than just the right ingredients. Below are some essential tips that will ensure you get perfect results every time you make Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortilla Recipe #1.
Firstly, while making the dough, ensure that the water is hot enough to activate the baking powder in it. The water should be between 100 and 110°F (38-43°C). This temperature is ideal for activating the baking powder in your flour mix, which contributes significantly to getting soft and fluffy tortillas.
Another pro-tip is to use vegetable shortening instead of lard. Lard can affect the taste of your tortilla so if you’re looking for a healthier option, go for shortening. Shortening has a neutral flavor and makes your tortillas softer and fluffier than lard.
You can also play around with adding some baking soda to the mix instead of baking powder. Baking soda works best if you’re using milk or buttermilk to make a richer dough.
Another important tip is that you should not overmix the dough as this could lead to the tortillas coming out hard. Mix only until everything is combined well. Once you have mixed everything together, let it rest for ten minutes before rolling them out.
It’s no secret that homemade flour tortillas are ten times better than store-bought ones because they’re made with fresh ingredients without any preservatives. Another tip to get perfect results every time is to use hot water when kneading your dough. Avoid using lukewarm or cold water as this can affect the overall texture and rise of your tortillas.
Finally, while cooking your tortillas on a skillet or griddle, flip them frequently to get an even cook on both sides. Once cooked, wrap them in a clean towel or place them in a tortilla warmer so that they remain warm and don’t dry out.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create delicious homemade flour tortillas every time!
FAQ
As we near the end of this article, we cannot help but bear in mind that there might be a couple of questions or doubts that some readers may still have concerning Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortilla Recipe #1. Therefore, for your convenience and ease of mind, we’ve compiled a set of frequently asked questions that address common inquiries regarding the recipe. Whether it’s your first time making homemade flour tortillas or you’re an expert looking for tips and tricks, this FAQ section will surely help you out. So without further ado, let’s get to it!
Why do my homemade flour tortillas come out hard?
Have you ever wondered why your homemade flour tortillas turn out hard? It could be due to an insufficiently heated comal or a lack of gluten release. In order to achieve pliable and delicious tortillas, make sure to carefully follow the kneading times and cooking instructions for optimal results.
Why did my flour tortillas come out crispy?
Achieving soft tortillas requires the use of specific ingredients and cooking tools. If your tortillas are not turning out as tender as you want, there could be several possible reasons, such as not using all-purpose flour, not using a cast iron pan, or not heating the pan sufficiently.
How do you make flour tortillas not crack?
One trick to ensure that your tortillas remain easy to bend after they are heated is to stack them together and cover them with a damp cloth or paper towel until ready to use.
What does baking soda do to flour tortillas?
Baking soda is the secret to the fluffy and voluminous texture of tortillas. Without it, tortillas would have a much flatter appearance.
Bottom Line
All in all, Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortilla Recipe #1 is a fantastic recipe that anyone can make with ease. Not only is it easy to follow, but it also yields amazing results every time. With just a few simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, hot water, and vegetable shortening, you can create homemade flour tortillas that are far superior to store-bought ones.
So why settle for mediocre when you can make your own delicious homemade tortillas? Not only are they more flavorful and satisfying than the packaged versions, but they’re also more versatile. You can use them for everything from Tex-Mex classics like tacos and enchiladas to dessert recipes like sopapillas- the possibilities are endless!
Plus, by making your own homemade tortillas, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. They won’t believe that you made such delicious tortillas from scratch.
In conclusion, if you want to elevate your cooking game or just enjoy some warm and delicious flour tortillas, then give Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortilla Recipe #1 a try. It may just become your go-to recipe for all things tortillas.
Aunt Sharleen’s Flour Tortilla Receipe# 1 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening (cut into pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup warm water
Instructions
- In a bowl, sift flour, salt, and baking powder cut in shortening until it resembles fine meal.
- Add water, a little at a time, to flour mixture and kneed until liquid is incorporated (water amount will very with different flour type and type of day i.e. if the days is cold and wet you will use less water).
- Form dough into a ball and kneed on a floured surface until dough is smooth and elastic. Divide, and make 12 smaller balls. Cover and let stand at least 30 minutes.
- Roll each ball of dough on a floured surface to make 6 or 7 inch size tortillas.
- Place on a pre-heated griddle or cast iron skillet or a regular skillet and cook till medium golden on both sides.
- Stack between towels or wax paper. Do not use any oil in skillet while cooking the tortillas the skillet needs to be dry. You might need to wipe the skillet from time to time to get rid of any extra flour. You will be tempted to eat one or two because of the delicious smell, it's ok you're supposed to. :-).
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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