Making Fluffy Flour Tortillas

Introduction

• Instructor: Chef Sa Montiel
• Flour tortillas: buttery, fluffy, tender, warm, delicious
• Simple to make with common ingredients

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• Salt
• Butter (adds sweetness; makes tortillas a bit sweet vs. savory with lard)

Dough Preparation

1. Butter: Soft, creamy, and spreadable
   • Ensure no butter spots in the flour mix
2. Mixing: Dissolve butter in flour, then add warm water gradually
   • Warm water helps gluten develop
   • Control dough texture: not too sticky, not too dry
   • Kneading: Achieve a smooth, elastic dough that doesn’t stick to hands
3. Resting: Let dough rest for 10 minutes covered with a towel
   • Prevents drying out, crucial for a good crust

Cooking Equipment

• Preferred: Cast iron griddle (holds heat well and distributes evenly)
• Alternatives: Cast iron skillet, any heavy-bottomed pan

Shaping and Rolling the Tortillas

1. Portioning: Cut dough into even portions
   • Use hand to shape: push and bring back motion
   • Don’t overwork to make stretching easier
2. Rolling: Use flour to prevent sticking
   • Roll to a 7-inch tortilla
   • Start pressing from the middle, flip and repeat for even thickness
   • Avoid over-thin edges (they burn easily)

Cooking Tortillas

• Medium heat; add neutral oil and wipe off
• Cook until top starts to dry and has bubbles
• Flip when bubbles appear; avoid applying too much pressure
• Check for elasticity (press and see if it bounces back)

Serving Tips

• Keep tortillas warm to maintain elasticity
  • Store wrapped in a towel to avoid drying out
• Taste test method: Add salt and roll up
• Versatile use: tacos, chimichangas, quesadillas
• Made fresh with simple kitchen ingredients (butter, flour, salt, water)

Conclusion

• Emphasis on simplicity and easy access to ingredients
• Encouragement to make fresh tortillas at home