Tortilla Dough
Soft, warm, and pliable tortilla dough perfect for making homemade tortillas. Its simple ingredients and quick preparation make it ideal for quick lunches or dinners, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homemade bread with a mild flavor that complements a variety of fillings and toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt; cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Add water gradually; toss with a fork to make a stiff dough.
- Form the dough into a ball.
- Knead thoroughly on a floured surface until smooth and flecked with air bubbles, about 4 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll into a 12-inch circle.
- Fit into a 9-inch pie plate.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier dough, consider using lard instead of shortening. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. If you're short on time, refrigerating the dough for 15 minutes before rolling can make it easier to handle. Remember to roll it evenly for consistent cooking. For an added kick, sprinkle some Tex-Mex Spice Mix into the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These tortillas are perfect for making tacos, enchiladas, or pairing with Fresh Vegetable Salsa for a refreshing touch. Serve them warm alongside Fideo Soup for a comforting meal. You can also fill them with grilled veggies or use them to create Mexican Hogies for a delightful twist on sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tortilla dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before rolling out. If you've already baked the tortillas, keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortilla Dough contains roughly 533 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1744mg per serving (76% 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 use gluten-free flour for this tortilla dough?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that the texture may vary. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help mimic the elasticity of traditional dough. Experiment with small batches to find the right consistency.
How thick should I roll the tortillas?
Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness when rolling the tortillas. This thickness allows them to cook through without becoming too brittle. If they are too thick, they may not cook evenly, while too thin could lead to tearing during handling.
What can I do with leftover tortillas?
Leftover tortillas can be used for a variety of dishes. Consider cutting them into strips and frying them for homemade tortilla chips, or use them to make a quick quesadilla. You can also warm them and serve with beans or any of the Mexican recipes you enjoy.
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).