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Make your own batch of homemade tortillas – fresh and flavorful. 

These tortillas are made with oil instead of lard, making them a plant-perfect recipe for all my vegan buddies. 

They’re made with easy to find ingredients and are super wholesome and healthy.

Why you’ll love this tortilla recipe

  • Simple ingredients: This recipe uses only a few simple ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores. It’s a great option for a quick and easy meal.
  • Versatility: Tortillas are a versatile food that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. This recipe allows you to customize the tortillas to your liking and use them in any way you prefer.
  • Fresh and homemade: Nothing beats the taste of fresh, homemade tortillas. This recipe allows you to make tortillas from scratch and enjoy them hot off the griddle.
  • Healthier option: The inclusion of whole wheat flour and flaxseed in this recipe makes it a healthier option than store-bought tortillas. These ingredients are high in fiber and nutrients that are beneficial for your overall health.
  • Great texture: The addition of baking powder in this recipe helps to create a light and fluffy texture that is perfect for wrapping around your favorite fillings.

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Ingredients and substitution notes

White Tortillas:

  • Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used for white tortillas, but you can also use bread flour or pastry flour for a lighter texture.
  • Baking Powder: Baking powder helps the tortillas to rise and become fluffy.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil adds moisture and flavor to the tortillas. You can substitute it with vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted vegan butter.

100% Whole Wheat Tortillas:

  • 100% Bob’s Red Mill Pastry Flour: This flour is ground from soft white wheat berries and is perfect for making whole wheat tortillas.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil or any other oil can be used to add moisture to the tortillas.

Somewhere-In-The-Middle Tortillas:

  • Ground Golden Flax Seed and/or Chia Seed: Adding flax seed and chia seed to the tortillas will add extra fiber and nutrients. You can use either one or both in the recipe.

Tortilla Recipe variations and add-ins

  • Herbed tortillas: Add dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the dough before rolling out the tortillas. This will add an extra layer of flavor to the tortillas.
  • Spicy tortillas: Add chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika to the dough for a spicy kick. You can also add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for even more heat.
  • Vegan Cheese tortillas: Add vegan shredded cheese for a cheesy twist on traditional tortillas.
  • Sweet tortillas: Add a little bit of sugar to the dough for a sweet twist on tortillas. You can also add cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
  • Veggie tortillas: Add finely chopped vegetables such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers to the dough for a nutritious and colorful tortilla.
  • Nutty tortillas: Add ground nuts such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts to the dough for a nutty twist on traditional tortillas.

Top tips for making the best Tortillas

  • Use good quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly affect the taste and texture of your tortillas.
  • Keep the dough moist: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap while it rests to prevent it from drying out.
  • Cook the tortillas on a hot griddle: Preheat a non-stick griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tortillas on the hot griddle and cook for about 30 seconds on each side or until lightly browned.
  • Keep the tortillas warm: Keep the cooked tortillas warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel or placing them in a covered container until ready to serve.
  • Experiment with flavors: Add herbs, spices, or other ingredients to the dough to create different flavor variations. Some popular options include garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
  • Practice makes perfect: Making tortillas can take some practice to get the technique just right. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts are not perfect. Keep trying, and soon you’ll be making delicious tortillas like a pro!

Make ahead of instructions and storage

Make Ahead: 

You can prepare the tortilla dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. To do this, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Storage: 

If you have leftover tortillas, you can store them in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, you can warm them up on a griddle or in the microwave for a few seconds.

Freezing: 

You can also freeze tortillas for later use. To freeze, stack the tortillas with a sheet of parchment paper between each one and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply take them out of the freezer and let them come to room temperature before reheating.

Tortilla Serving suggestions 

Serve these pillowy tortillas with my vegan chili or vegan taco salad.

Get creative and make tacos, burritos, quesadillas with your lovely tortillas.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to make healthier tortillas. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste of the tortillas may be slightly different.

Do I need a tortilla press to make tortillas?

No, you don’t necessarily need a tortilla press to make tortillas. You can use a rolling pin to roll out the dough, or you can press it down with your hands.

How thin should I roll out the tortilla dough?

The thickness of the tortilla dough depends on your preference. However, a good rule of thumb is to roll it out until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.

How long should I cook each tortilla?

Each tortilla should be cooked for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it’s lightly browned and has a few small bubbles.

How do I prevent the tortillas from sticking to the griddle or pan?

Make sure your griddle or pan is well-greased before cooking the tortillas. You can use a little bit of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Wrapping it up 

Whether you prefer classic white tortillas, whole wheat tortillas, or somewhere-in-the-middle tortillas, this recipe provides plenty of options to suit your taste. 

So why not give it a try and see for yourself how satisfying and tasty homemade tortillas can be!

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A fresh tortilla served with beans, guacamole, and fresh salsa

Easy Tortilla Recipe

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  • Author: Chef Ani
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Description

Whether you prefer classic white tortillas, whole wheat tortillas, or somewhere-in-the-middle tortillas, this recipe provides plenty of options to suit your taste. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how satisfying and tasty homemade tortillas can be!

Ingredients

Scale

White Tortillas

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3/4 cup water

100% Whole Wheat Tortillas

  • 2 cups 100% Bob’s Red Mill Pastry flour (ground from soft white wheat berries)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup water (add 1 tablespoon at a time as needed)

Somewhere-In-The-Middle Tortillas

  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cups Whole Wheat Pastry flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground golden flax seed (and/or 1 tablespoon chia seed)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3/4 cup water (start with a little less than 3/4 cup and add as needed)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.  
  2. Add the oil, and work it into the flour mixture with a fork or pastry cutter until you have a sandy crumb mixture.  
  3. Make a well in the center of the crumb mixture and add the water. Stir well until all dry ingredients are incorporated, and the dough comes together and forms a shaggy ball.Turn the dough over to a lightly floured work surface and knead for a minute or two until the dough becomes smooth.
  4. Divide the dough into eight equal pieces and shape into flat disks.  Cover the pieces with cling wrap or a slightly damp kitchen towel to avoid drying out, and let them rest for 15-30 minutes.  
  5. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Flatten tortillas one at a time, either using a tortilla press or a rolling pin.  
  6. Add the tortilla to the hot skillet. Within 20 to 30 seconds, you should start to see it puffing up. When the bottom of the tortilla has brown spots, flip it over and cook the other side until you see brown spots. Each tortilla will take 1 to 2 minutes to cook. 
  7. Transfer the cooked tortilla to a plate, cover with a towel and continue with the remaining tortillas. Store leftover tortillas in a resealable plastic bag for a day or two, or freeze to store longer. Fresh homemade flour tortillas are best when warm, so reheat them in a skillet until they are soft and pliable before serving.

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