Mexican Flour Tortillas
Soft, warm Mexican flour tortillas perfect for tacos, wraps, and burritos, offering a tender, slightly flaky texture with a subtle buttery flavor, ideal for casual and festive meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour with salt and baking powder.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add tepid water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth.
- Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions and shape into balls.
- Roll each ball out flat and thin on a lightly floured surface.
- Cook each tortilla on a hot skillet or griddle until lightly golden on both sides.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure your water is tepid, as this helps the shortening blend smoothly into the flour. If you have a gluten intolerance, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. For added flavor, consider infusing the dough with spices like cumin or chili powder. If you find the dough too sticky, dust with a little extra flour while rolling it out.
Serving Suggestions
These tortillas are perfect for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. They pair beautifully with Fat-Free Guacamole Dip and Two Thumbs Up Salsa for a delicious appetizer. Serve alongside Mexican Corn Bread And Whipped Butter for a hearty meal. You can also use them to scoop up your favorite Mexican Tomato Sauce for a delightful flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tortillas in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet for 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Flour Tortillas contains roughly 70 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1111mg per serving (48% 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 these tortillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Shape it into balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, simply bring them to room temperature before rolling out and cooking. This allows for easier handling and better results.
What if my tortillas are too thick?
If your tortillas turn out too thick, it may be due to not rolling them out enough. Aim for a thin, even layer when rolling. If you find it challenging to roll them thin without tearing, let the dough rest for a few minutes before rolling to relax the gluten.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. However, note that whole wheat flour may require a bit more water, so adjust accordingly to achieve the desired 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).