Cecilia'S Flour Tortilla
Soft, warm flour tortillas with a tender texture and mild flavor, perfect for wraps or tacos, suitable for family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the vegetable shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, mixing until the dough is soft and sticky.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth.
- Pull off pieces of dough to form about 12 small balls and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
- Dust each ball and your work surface with a little flour before rolling out the tortillas.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful tortilla, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne. If you don't have vegetable shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or lard for a richer taste. Make sure to keep your work surface lightly floured to prevent sticking while rolling out the tortillas.
Serving Suggestions
These flour tortillas are perfect for wrapping around your favorite fillings. Serve them with dishes like Sante Fe Rice Salad or Richard'S Caso for a complete meal. You can also cut them into wedges and serve with Hot Guacamole Ole or Salsa Rancher as a delicious appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them on a skillet until pliable.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cecilia'S Flour Tortilla contains roughly 302 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 740mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out to make the tortillas easier to work with.
What can I do if the dough is too dry?
If your dough feels dry, gradually add more warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired soft and sticky consistency. It's important to add water slowly to avoid making the dough too wet.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will yield a denser tortilla, so you may need to adjust the amount of water to achieve the right dough consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).