This fresh homemade tortilla recipe is a complement to any meal.
Some time ago, my local grocery store started carrying refrigerated, ready-to-cook tortilla dough. I tried it once, and I’ve never been able to go back to cold, hard, stale, pre-packed tortillas.
The refrigerated dough is still a staple in my kitchen, but when we’re out and I’m in great need of a tortilla – or when I want to make a meal extra special – I lean into this super-easy tortilla recipe.
Did you know? Many Mexican restaurants make their own fresh tortillas. That’s why they taste better than store-bought.
Tortilla Recipe Tips
Tortillas are an easy bread to make because they only include five ingredients, flour, water, oil, salt, and baking powder. Odds are, you have all of these in your kitchen right now.
Do you need a tortilla press to make tortillas? No, you do not! All you need is a rolling pin and a work surface such as a countertop or a large cutting board. I have a tortilla press, but I find that it leaves the tortillas too thick. The rolling pin is easier to use and helps me get the tortillas paper-thin.
Homemade Flour Tortillas
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp aluminum-free baking powder
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Place dry ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixture.
- Attach the dough hook and make a well in flour. Begin mixing slowly, gradually adding the oil and water. Continue to mix until the dough forms a smooth ball.
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Halve the dough repeatedly until you have 16 pieces. Roll each ball in flour then flattened. Cover with a cloth and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
- Lightly oil a pan (preferably cast iron) and apply medium heat. Begin rolling the dough balls into a flat circle about 6 inches wide.
- Cook each tortilla for about 20 seconds on each side. Serve warm.
Perhaps you’ve noticed a trend in our recent recipes – naan, sandwich bread, and now tortillas. We’ve been baking most of our own bread here in the Adventure Kitchen. Why? Warm, fresh bread is such a comfort food. And with the help of these recipes, it’s easier than running to the store for last-minute staples.
One part Lois Lane, one part Jimmy Olsen, one part Johnboy Walton, and a bit of that Clark Kent secret identity thing thrown in for good measure.
Cara Siera is a freelance writer and photographer with a passion for travel and exotic cuisine. Join Cara, her husband Marc, and one very spoiled German Shepherd on their next great adventure.