Mother'S Flour Tortillas
Soft, warm flour tortillas with a slightly chewy texture and subtle flavor, perfect for wraps, tacos, or as a side for any Mexican-inspired meal, suited for casual and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Blend in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in hot water gradually and mix until forming a stiff dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until soft and pliable.
- Cover the dough with a bowl and let rest for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Form the rested dough into biscuit-sized balls.
- Roll each dough ball into a thin circle on a floured surface.
- Place the rolled-out tortilla onto the preheated griddle.
- Cook until the top begins to puff or blister, then turn and cook the other side until lightly brown.
- Keep the cooked tortillas covered in a bread basket to stay warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier tortilla, use cold shortening instead of room temperature. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with lard or butter, but this may alter the flavor slightly. Ensure the water is indeed hot to help the dough come together effectively. If you're looking for a healthier twist, consider adding a bit of whole wheat flour to the mix for added fiber.
Serving Suggestions
These tortillas are perfect for wrapping around your favorite fillings. Serve with Vegetarian Refried Beans or pair them with a side of Mexican Hot Sauce Dip for a delightful meal. They can also be used as a base for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas, making them a versatile addition to any Mexican recipes night.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tortillas in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. They can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Flour Tortillas contains roughly 136 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 481mg per serving (21% 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. After kneading, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling and cooking.
How do I know when the tortillas are done cooking?
The tortillas are done when they start to puff up and have light brown spots on both sides. This usually takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, depending on the heat of your griddle.
Can these tortillas be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!
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).