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Simple Tortillas

Reggie Dwork <reggie@jeff-and-reggie.com>
Thu, 26 Jun 2014 08:44:34 -0700
v114.n026.3
* Exported from MasterCook *

                           Bread, Simple Tortillas

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 8     Preparation Time :0:15
Categories    : Bread                           Bread-Bakers Mailing List
                  Ethnic                          Low Fat

    Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
    2 1/2           cups  all-purpose flour -- King Arthur 
unbleached, plus additional as needed
    1           teaspoon  baking powder
       1/2      teaspoon  salt
       1/4           cup  lard (traditional) -- or butter, 
shortening, or vegetable oil
       7/8           cup  hot tap water -- to 1C,  (about 110F to 120F)

Hands-on time:	15 mins. to 25 mins.
Baking time:	20 mins. to 25 mins.
Total time:	35 mins. to 50 mins.

1) To make the dough: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 
flour, baking powder, and salt.

2) Add the lard (or butter, or shortening; if you're using vegetable 
oil, add it in step 3). Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work 
the fat into the flour until it disappears. Coating most of the flour 
with fat inhibits gluten formation, making the tortillas easier to roll out.

3) Pour in the lesser amount of hot water (plus the oil, if you're 
using it), and stir briskly with a fork or whisk to bring the dough 
together into a shaggy mass. Stir in additional water as needed to 
bring the dough together.

4) Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead 
briefly, just until the dough forms a ball. If the dough is very 
sticky, gradually add a bit more flour.

5) Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Round the pieces into balls, 
flatten slightly, and allow them to rest, covered, for about 30 
minutes (see tips at left). If you wish, coat each ball lightly in 
oil before covering; this ensures the dough doesn't dry out.

6) While the dough rests, preheat an ungreased cast iron griddle or 
skillet over medium high heat, about 400F.

7Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll into a round about 
8" in diameter. Keep the remaining dough covered while you work. Fry 
the tortilla in the ungreased pan for about 30 seconds on each side. 
Wrap the tortilla in a clean cloth when it comes off the griddle, to 
keep it pliable. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.

Yield: eight 8" tortillas.

Tips From Our Bakers:
Although traditionally made with lard, these tortillas are equally 
delicious using butter, shortening, or vegetable oil as the fat. If 
you choose to use oil, add it with the water in step 3.

The resting period improves the texture of the dough by giving the 
flour time to absorb the water. It also gives the gluten time to 
relax, making the tortillas easier to roll out. You may extend the 
resting, or skip it altogether if you don't have the time; the recipe 
is pretty forgiving. The tortillas will roll out and stay thinner if 
you include the rest, though.

If there are leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then wrap 
tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in an 
ungreased skillet, or for a few seconds in the microwave.

Source:
    "Kingarthurflour.com"
Start to Finish Time:
    "0:35"
                                      - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 200 Calories; 7g Fat (31.0% 
calories from fat); 4g Protein; 30g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 
6mg Cholesterol; 196mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 2 Grain(Starch); 1 1/2 
Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : This recipe for soft flour tortillas is quick and easy. Soft 
and tender, with just a little bit of "chew," you can have these on 
the table in under an hour. The dough can also be made the day before 
and allowed to rest in the fridge overnight.

Dairy-free