How To Make Tortillas

Which type of flour is best for making tortillas?

When making tortillas, there are two main types of flour used: corn flour and wheat flour. Each has its own characteristics and benefits, making them suitable for different types of tortillas.

Corn Flour:

Traditional base for tortillas in many Latin American cultures.
Rich in fiber and gluten-free, ideal for people with gluten intolerance.
Nixtamalization (processed with lime) gives it a soft and flexible texture.

Wheat Flour:

Commonly used for flour tortillas, especially in northern Mexico.
Contains gluten, which adds elasticity and strength.
Ideal for dishes like burritos and quesadillas due to its softness and fluffiness.

Nutritional Comparison:

Corn tortillas have fewer calories and fat than flour tortillas.
Flour tortillas are higher in calories but more flexible.
Corn tortillas are richer in magnesium, potassium, and fiber, making them healthier.

If you're looking for a gluten-free and healthier option, corn flour is the best choice. However, if you prefer a more flexible and soft tortilla for dishes like burritos or quesadillas, wheat flour is ideal.

Basic Ingredients for Homemade Tortillas

To make tortillas, you will need the following ingredients:

Nixtamalized corn flour: 260 g. This flour is the base for tortillas and gives them a soft and flexible texture thanks to the nixtamalization process.
Hot water: 250 ml. The water hydrates the flour and helps form a workable dough.
Salt: A pinch. It adds flavor to the dough and balances the ingredients.

Optional:

Yeast: To make the tortillas fluffier.
Oil or butter: To improve the texture and give them a softer touch.

These are the essential ingredients to prepare soft and traditional tortillas.

How to make tortillas from scratch

Here is a detailed explanation of the steps to make homemade corn tortillas:

1. Mix the ingredients

In a large bowl, add 260 g of nixtamalized corn flour and a pinch of salt. Mix the dry ingredients well to distribute the salt evenly.

2. Add the water

Gradually add 250 ml of hot water to the corn flour and salt mixture. It’s important to add the water slowly while mixing with your hands or a spatula until the dough starts to form.

3. Knead the dough

Once the ingredients are well combined, begin kneading the dough with your hands for about 2-3 minutes. The dough should be soft and moist but not sticky. If it's too dry, add a bit more water; if it's too sticky, add more flour.

4. Optional

If you want fluffier tortillas, you can add a small amount of yeast to the mixture.
To improve texture and make them softer, incorporate a small amount of oil or butter while kneading.

5. Form dough balls

Divide the dough into small portions about the size of a golf ball (approximately 30 g each). Roll them into smooth balls and cover them with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while you work on the rest.

6. Flatten the tortillas

Place a dough ball between two sheets of plastic or wax paper and flatten it using a tortilla press or a heavy plate until you get a thin circle (about 15 cm in diameter).

7. Cook the tortillas

Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tortilla on the hot griddle and cook for about 30 seconds on one side, then flip it and cook for another minute until small golden spots appear. Flip it again and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

8. Keep tortillas warm

As you cook the tortillas, place them in a clean cloth or tortilla warmer to keep them warm and soft.

With these steps, you'll have delicious homemade tortillas ready to enjoy!

How to Make Tortillas Soft and Flexible

Here are some tips to ensure your corn tortillas turn out soft and flexible:

Use hot water: Hot water helps hydrate the dough better, making the tortillas softer and easier to handle.
Add a touch of fat: Incorporating a bit of oil or lard into the dough improves the texture, making it more flexible and soft.
Knead the dough well: Proper kneading for a few minutes ensures that the ingredients are well integrated, contributing to a more elastic dough.
Let the dough rest: Allowing the dough to rest for 20-30 minutes before forming the tortillas helps relax it, making it easier to handle and improving texture.
Cook at the right temperature: The griddle should be hot before placing the tortillas. Cooking them at a high temperature ensures they puff up and stay soft.
Cover freshly made tortillas: Once cooked, cover the tortillas with a clean cloth or place them in a tortilla warmer to keep them moist and flexible.

By following these simple steps, you'll achieve soft and flexible tortillas, perfect for any dish.

Tips to prevent tortillas from breaking

Here are some useful tips to prevent corn tortillas from breaking during handling and cooking:

Heat the tortillas before using them: Cold tortillas tend to break. Heat them on a griddle or in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their flexibility.
Don’t fill cold tortillas: If the tortillas are at room temperature, they are more likely to crack when folded. Make sure to heat them before filling.
Avoid excess moisture: Sauces can make the tortilla too wet, increasing the risk of breaking. Add the sauce over the filling, not directly on the tortilla.
Flatten the dough correctly: Don’t make the tortillas too thin when flattening them, as this can make them more fragile and prone to breaking.
Proper storage: Store the tortillas in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean cloth to keep them soft and prevent drying out.

These tips will help keep your tortillas flexible and strong, ready to enjoy without breaking.

Variations of the Traditional Tortilla Recipe

There are many ways to add a twist to the traditional corn tortilla recipe. Here are some interesting variations you can try:

Herb and Spice Tortillas: Add herbs like cilantro or parsley, or spices like cumin and garlic powder to the dough for a unique flavor.
Vegetable Tortillas: Incorporate vegetable purées like spinach, carrots, or beets into the dough for colorful and nutritious tortillas.
Gluten-Free Tortillas: Use 100% gluten-free corn flour or mix with alternative flours like rice or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Cheese Tortillas: Add grated cheese directly into the dough before cooking for a creamy touch.
Sweet Tortillas: Add a bit of sugar or cinnamon to the dough to create sweet tortillas, perfect for desserts or with fruit.
Whole Grain Tortillas: Mix corn flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content and make healthier tortillas.
Crispy Tortillas: Bake the tortillas in the oven or air fryer to make crispy chips, perfect for serving with guacamole or salsas.

These variations allow you to enjoy tortillas in different forms and flavors, adapting them to your personal tastes or dietary needs.

How to Store and Preserve Homemade Tortillas

To keep your homemade tortillas fresh and flexible for longer, follow these tips:

Let the tortillas cool down: Before storing them, make sure the tortillas cool to room temperature to avoid moisture buildup, which can make them sticky or hard.
Wrap them in a clean cloth: Stack the tortillas and wrap them in a clean, dry cloth. This will help absorb excess moisture and keep them soft.
Use an airtight bag: Place the wrapped tortillas in a plastic airtight bag or a container with a lid. Make sure to seal the bag tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigeration: If you’re not going to eat them the same day, store them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, tortillas can last up to a week.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze them. Separate each tortilla with wax paper or plastic, place them in an airtight bag, and freeze. Frozen tortillas can last up to a month.

By following these steps, your homemade tortillas will stay fresh and ready to enjoy anytime.

Ideal Accompaniments for Delicious Tortillas

Here are some ideas for accompaniments that perfectly complement homemade tortillas:

Guacamole: A classic dip made with avocado, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Its creaminess is ideal for pairing with tortillas.
Pico de Gallo: This fresh mix of tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime juice adds a refreshing and tangy touch to tortillas.
Refried Beans: Refried beans are a traditional accompaniment that provides a smooth texture and comforting flavor.
Green or Red Salsa: Mexican salsas, whether green or red, add a spicy and savory kick that enhances the flavor of tortillas.
Fresh Cheese or Sour Cream: Crumbled fresh cheese or sour cream are creamy options that balance stronger flavors.
Grilled Meat or Shredded Chicken: For a more complete meal, serve tortillas with grilled meat or shredded chicken, adding protein to the dish.
Fresh Lettuce and Tomato Salad: A light and crunchy salad is the perfect accompaniment to balance the soft texture of tortillas.

These accompaniments will transform your tortillas into a delicious and varied meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why don’t my tortillas puff up when cooking?

A: Tortillas may not puff up if the dough is too dry or if the griddle temperature is too low. Make sure the griddle is hot enough and that the dough has sufficient moisture.

Q: How long do homemade tortillas last?

A: If stored in an airtight bag in the refrigerator, homemade tortillas can last up to a week. If frozen, they can be preserved for up to a month.

Q: Can I make tortillas without a tortilla press?

A: Yes, you can flatten tortillas using a rolling pin or a heavy plate between two sheets of plastic or wax paper to achieve an even thickness.

Q: Why do my tortillas dry out quickly?

A: Tortillas dry out if they are not covered properly after cooking. Store them in a tortilla warmer or wrap them in a clean cloth to keep them soft and flexible.