Tortillas (Flour)
Soft, warm flour tortillas are a versatile staple perfect for wraps, tacos, or side dishes. Their mild flavor and pliable texture make them appealing to all ages and suitable for quick meals or gatherings, easily filled with various ingredients for a delicious and customizable experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour and salt together.
- Work the shortening into the flour mixture with your hands and fingertips.
- Add warm water gradually until the dough forms into a firm ball.
- Knead the dough well.
- Divide the dough into small balls the size of golf balls.
- Let the dough balls stand for about 15 minutes.
- Roll each ball into a thin pancake about 7 to 8 inches in diameter.
- Cook on a moderately hot, ungreased griddle or skillet for 2 minutes on one side.
- Turn over and cook for 1 minute on the other side.
- Serve while hot, optionally wrapped in foil and reheated in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Serve with butter spread on them or fill with cooked refried beans, cheese, etc.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use all-purpose flour and ensure your shortening is soft but not melted. If you need a healthier option, consider substituting half of the shortening with avocado oil or using whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Adjust the water gradually to achieve the right dough consistency, as humidity can affect the amount needed.
Serving Suggestions
These tortillas are perfect served warm with a spread of butter or filled with cooked refried beans, cheese, or your favorite fillings. They also pair beautifully with Simple Salsa or Southwest Beans for a complete meal. Try them with Mexican recipes like Easy Quick Tamale Pie for a delicious twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tortillas in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them layered with parchment paper and sealed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or briefly heat in a skillet.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortillas (Flour) contains roughly 2194 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 240g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1745mg 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 a tortilla press instead of rolling by hand?
Absolutely! A tortilla press can make the process easier and ensure consistent thickness. Just place the dough ball between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper before pressing. This method also helps prevent sticking and makes for a quicker preparation.
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).