Thursday, September 4, 2014

Homemade Flour Tortillas

It's been so long since my last post because of school, family and just life in general. I hope that I'll be able to be a little more consistent this time around but, no promises :).....Well today I'm posting a recipe that is very special to me. It's special because I've always dreamt of making my own homemade tortillas. Some people dream about traveling or skydiving. Not me, I dream of homemade tortillas :) Anyone else out there understand where I'm coming from????

Anyhow, it takes a little practice and I'm sure that there are some expert "tortilleras" out there but I'm a beginner. Although I must say that after several attempts my family was very happy with the end result. That's what really matters after all. If my fantastic 5 gives me the thumbs up, I'm happy.

Well, this first picture is of my mom and her friend having a blast making tortillas. My mom is the one holding up the tortilla. Beautiful smile, right?? She was probably laughing at herself because she wasn't the best at tortilla making. She was however such a great partner in the kitchen. She was the one who would wash the dishes and big bowls that were in the way. She would slice, dice, peal, sauté....whatever needed to be done, she was the one you could always count on. If there was nothing for her to do she'd sit at the counter and tell stories about her apa (daddy), her ama (mom), her sister Eliboria or brothers, Tudy, Manuel and Fidel. Her stories were always funny and our laughter was one that filled the kitchen..... How I miss her. I think she would be proud of the tortillas I made for this post.

 


 
 
The best part about making homemade tortillas is that you probably have all the ingredients you need sitting in your pantry. Well, maybe not the Shortening, unless you live in South Texas like me. We can't seem to live without it down here. We call it "Manteca," and for some reason it makes everything taste so good!
 
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup shortening
1 cup hot water
 
 
Directions:
 
Step 1: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt and baking powder.
 
Step 2: Add Shortening breaking it up with a fork or by hand, incorporate into the flour until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
 
Step 3: Slowly begin to add hot water and start kneading the mixture
 
Step 4: Continue adding water and kneading until the dough holds together
*If the dough feels sticky, add a pinch or two of flour and continue to knead
 
 
 
Next, divide the large ball of dough into 10 small pieces.
Form them into discs, we call these "testales"
 
 
When all your discs are formed let them take a little 20 minute nap and cover them with a damp towel or plastic wrap. This part is very important. Do not skip.
 
 
Once your little guys are nice and rested take them out and prepare your work surface by spreading out a little flour. As you can see I overdid it a bit, but that's ok.
This is so that your dough doesn't stick to the board as you roll it out.
 
 

 
Next we roll!
From the center, roll away then towards you.
 
 
give your disc about half a turn and roll away from the center again and then towards yourself again.
Repeat until your dough is thin and is rolled out to about 10 inches.
 
This takes some practice. They won't be perfect. They'll probably come out like a rectangle or oval or something in between. It's ok. remember, practice makes perfect, and even if it doesn't, it's still ok :)
 
Place your tortilla on a hot comal (griddle).
 
 
Wait about 15 to 20 seconds and as you see air bubbles begin to rise flip it over.
 
 
Let it sit for 20 more seconds and place in a tortilla warmer.
 
 
Buen Provecho!! 
 

 
 



16 comments:

  1. These look great. Reminds me that I really need to make some. It has been a long time since I have made homemade tortillas. They aren't difficult to make. Just take time, but they are so yummy and worth it.

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by :) Yes, you are right, they are worth the time.

      Have a great weekend!
      Liz

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    2. kathyh3912@sbcglobalnetSeptember 12, 2014 at 9:46 AM

      These sound so good and you have made it so easy to follow. Thank you. Do you have a recipe for corn tortillas? Thanks, God bless!

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    3. I do have a recipe for corn tortillas, I will post soon :)
      Thanks for stopping by,

      Liz

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  2. Great looking recipe! I actually prefer flour tortillas to corn ones. I made the "mistake" of making homemade tortillas (with lard!) for my husband and now he doesn't like store-bought ones any more! I'm glad I found you through the What to do Weekend's party - I can tell I'll find lots of things to make my Latino husband happy here.

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    1. Hello Natasha,

      Yup! that Lard is addicting, so yes, use with caution...haha. Please stop by anytime :)

      Liz

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  3. yum, homemade is always best! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. I hope you saw the new giveaway I posted yesterday. xo

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    Replies
    1. Hello Katherine! Thank you for stopping by! I did see the giveaway, I'll make sure and enter before time is up!
      Hope you've had a great weekend :)

      Liz

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  4. Wow. I never even thought about making them myself! These are crispy, right?? What do you do for soft ones? Thanks!

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    1. Hi Heidi! You should definitely give them a try :) These came out soft and thin. I've made them about 4 times since and yes, I do know what you mean the soft ones look a little thicker, I hope to one day be able to make them like that. I guess with l little more practice.

      Thanks for stopping by,

      Liz

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  5. These look great, Liz! I've been wanting to try making tortillas myself, too.

    Thank you for sharing your post this week at Brag About It Link Party on VMG206. I'm featuring you at Next Weeks Brag About It Link Party, Monday at midnight!
    ~ Megin of VMG206

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    1. Wow! Thank you so much Megin :) What an honor! I will stop by again on Monday and share what I've been working on this week. Have a great day!!

      Liz

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  6. There is nothing like homemade tortillas. Once I tasted them, I never wanted store-bought again. Your tortillas look great. Mine never end up round.

    And that is a beautiful smile.
    Thank you for sharing with See Ya in the Gumbo this week!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Michelle! Thank you so much for your comment :) Yes, there's nothing like homemade.

      That's ok that they're not round, my kids love them no matter the shape. mine are never perfect.

      Liz

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  7. Looks so good! Pinned. We appre­ci­ate you being a part of our party. I hope to see you tonight at 7 pm. We love to party with you! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com
    Happy Mon­day! Lou Lou Girls

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the Pin! Yes, I'll join the party at 7pm :)

      Liz

      Delete