This Mexican-inspired Authentic Homemade Flour Tortilla Recipe uses lard, along with simple ingredients to make 16 perfectly sized tortillas.
How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas
I am cognizant that some recipes need to remain as close to the traditional as possible. And, no more is this relevant than this recipe for Authentic Homemade Flour Tortillas made with lard.
I can’t think of any recipe that speaks of simplicity as flour tortillas. Made with four key ingredients that includes lard, you’ll be amazed at how soft and pliable these flour tortillas are.
Even so, you might be worried about using lard. After all, isn’t it bad for your heart?
In truth, the lard you use is minimal but it gives these Authentic Flour Tortillas, the softness you come to expect, along with a great taste that can’t be beat.
How to Roll Out Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas differ from corn tortillas in that these tortillas need to be rolled out with a rolling pin.
Using one gives you a rustic but tasty flour tortilla that you can’t get with a metal tortilla press–just saying.
As seen in the photo below, I used an old fashioned rolling pin (my Grandma Jenny’s) that gets these tortillas nice and thin.
You should be able to see almost through the dough–that’s how thin it needs to be.
And, believe me, I’ve found out the hard way: too thick of a flour tortilla makes for a tougher and chewier tortilla. So thin is in.
The first trick to using a wooden rolling pin is to use it without handles. That way you’ll get more even results.
Another trick I’ve found to be extremely helpful is to lightly flour your working surfaces. That means your rolling pin AND cutting board (in my case).
However, note the emphasis on “lightly.” Too much flour will leave you with “heavy” tortillas.
How to Cook Flour Tortillas
Whether you use a hot skillet, an authentic Mexican comal or flat griddle, you will need to preheat your cooking surface in order to get the best results.
No need to grease the surface, however. All you have to do is roll out the tortilla dough and then place it directly on the hot surface.
Then look for the distinctive bubbling that comes with a perfectly heated griddle.
Once you’ve cooked the first side, turn over and cook the next side.
Stack cooked tortillas and serve warm.
Why Are My Flour Tortillas Breaking?
One of the main reasons why flour tortillas might break after they’ve been cooked is that they’ve been allowed to dry out.
To curb this, use a tortilla warmer, microwaveable tortilla pouch, wrap in aluminum foil or use a clean kitchen towel to keep the moisture in the tortillas.
You can also warm your tortillas in the microwave by covering with a microwave-safe plate on top and bottom and heating on HI for 10 seconds at time to warm.
And, any leftover tortillas, place in a sealed plastic bag.
How Do I Make Tortilla Bowls?
It’s easy to make tortilla bowls without frying. And, you can fill them with your favorite ingredients. Best of all–you made everything from scratch–start to finish.
Just follow the instructions found in my recipe: Homemade Oven Baked Tortilla Bowls. You won’t believe how easy it is to make these in just minutes!
My Favorite Recipes Using Flour Tortillas
The sky’s the limit with this Authentic Flour Tortilla Recipe. You can use a variety of protein (chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, and fish) and vegetable options (choose your family favorites) to make your dinner the healthiest it can be.
Here are just a few of my favorite recipes that use flour tortillas as part of the ingredient list:
Fish Tacos
Use a firm fish like cod or haddock and cook on a grill with a drizzle of lime juice to give it that freshness you desire. Top with sliced pepper sticks, black beans and pico de gallo.
Breakfast Burrito
Flour tortillas are a perfect match with scrambled eggs. Don’t forget to add shredded cheese, cooked sliced ham and top with homemade salsa.
Beef Fajitas
Since you have your griddle hot, why not grill up some steak and serve it with your favorite Mexican-inspired sides.
Hunan Pork Wraps
Flour tortillas aren’t limited to Mexican-inspired foods. Think Asian, Jamaican, Spanish, Cuban and more. It’s easy with cooked Carnitas (roasted pork shoulder) and by varying your veggie and sauce options.
One Pot Cheesy Taco Skillet
And, if you have any leftover flour tortillas, how about making a batch of One Pot Cheesy Taco Skillet. Everything goes into one pot and cooked together. A definite timesaver for busy families.
And, for more delicious Mexican-inspired recipes, be sure to check out Wisconsin Homemaker Recipe Section.
Authentic Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe with Lard
Ingredients
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup lard
- 1 cup water warm but not hot
Instructions
- Add the flour, salt and lard to a large bowl and squeeze the lard to meld with the flour.
- Add the warm water and knead it into the flour-salt-lard mixture.
- Once incorporated and formed into a ball, divide the tortilla dough into 16 rounds.
- Allow these to set at room temperature for 30 minutes, covered on a sheet of parchment paper.
- After 30 minutes, heat a skillet or open griddle on medium heat.
- Begin rolling out each tortilla round on a floured surface using a floured rolling pin.
- Roll to 1/8th of an inch and place on the hot skillet or griddle.
- Allow the tortilla to “bubble” before turning over. Cook second side until slightly bubbly too.
- Remove and continue until all tortilla dough rounds have been cooked.
- You can serve these warm or allow to cool and bag until you need them. Store no more than 1-2 days max.
- To reheat, place tortillas between two microwave safe plates and heat on HI for 10 seconds at a time until warmed. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
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