Flour Tortillas

Home made tortillas are worth the effort of making.  They taste much better than the ones you buy.

Ingredients:

• • 450g plain flour

  • 70g lard - I use Allowrie brand

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 250ml hot water

Method:

• 1. Measure the flour into a bowl

  2. chop the lard into the flour and using your fingertips, rub the lard into the flour until all the lumps disappear

  3. mix in the salt and baking powder, leaving a well in the centre

  4. pour the water into the well and using your hands, mix until all the flour comes together into a ball. add a little more water if necessary

  5. tip the dough onto a clean surface and knead for at least 3 minutes.  You shouldn't need to flour the work surface but if the dough is sticking, dust with flour.

  6. wrap the dough in cling film and set aside for about an hour to allow the gluten to relax

  7. heat a dry non stick frypan to medium hot

  8. divide the dough into 12 and cover with a cloth.

  9. roll the first piece of dough into a thin circle about 8 inches in diameter

  10. place the tortilla into the pan and cook on the first side until bubbling takes place

  11. flip and cook on the other side for about 30 seconds.  When you have brown spots on the second side, flip back onto the first side to get some browning. 

  12. As the tortilla inflates, gently encourage the air bubbles to completely inflate the tortilla.  Then press the tortilla flat.  This will give you a flakey texture.

  13. remove the tortilla to a plate and cover with a teatowel to keep the tortilla from drying out while you cook the remaining dough pieces.

Tips: