Flour Tortillas Recipe

How to make it

---

• 1. In a large bowl, place the flour, baking powder, salt and mix. With the help of a fork, pastry blender or your hands, incorporate the shortening or lard until it resembles coarse meal.
• 2. Slowly add the hot water a little at the time until the dough holds together and is workable. Do not add all the water at once.
• 3. Turn dough onto a floured work surface, and knead for a couple of minutes until it is smooth.
• 4. Divide the dough in 10 pieces rolling every piece on your work surface with the palm of your hand to form a little disk . These are called “testales”.
• 5. Cover the “testales” in a damped kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rest for 30-45 minutes. The resting period will develop the gluten and forming the tortilla disks will be easier. Don’t skip this step.
• 6. After the resting period, place an ungreased griddle or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Grab your Rolling Pin to start forming the tortillas on a lightly floured surface. If you add too much flour to the surface your tortillas will be dry and tough.
• 7. To form the tortillas place the “testal” (ball of dough) onto the working area and press slightly with your hand to make a disk.
• 8. Starting in the centre, roll out the dough, flipping it over a time or two, until you have about a 10 in. circle. If you are new to rolling out dough, be patient, it takes a little practice. There are instructions on the net.
• 9. Place the tortilla in your already hot Griddle or skillet. This step is a really quick one: be careful with your timing. a) During the first 20 to 30 seconds, the tortilla starts forming air bubbles and light brown spots will show at the bottom side of the tortilla, b) turn the tortilla, and during the next 20 seconds, more air bubbles will continue to from. c) turn again; at this time the tortilla will puff up; this last step will take about 10 seconds. Remove the tortilla and wrap with a kitchen towel. Keep making the rest of the tortillas. The tortillas will deflate as they cool.