Homemade Tortillas

Homemade Tortillas with Shortening: A Mexican Staple

By Juan Jul 24, 2023

Today, we will be talking about a delicious and easy-to-make recipe for homemade tortillas using shortening. Tortillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine and can be used for a variety of dishes such as tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Making your own tortillas at home is not only cost-effective but also allows you to customize the flavor and texture according to your liking. In this recipe, we will be using shortening instead of lard to make the tortillas healthier and lighter without compromising on taste. So let’s get started and make some mouthwatering homemade tortillas with shortening!

The History and Significance of Homemade Tortillas

Tortillas are a staple of Mexican cuisine, and they have been around for centuries. In fact, it is believed that tortillas date back to the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations. These civilizations used corn as a primary food source, and they ground the corn into a fine flour to make tortillas. The tortilla was a convenient way to transport food and was easy to store.

Tortillas have remained an essential part of Mexican cuisine to this day. They are used in a variety of dishes such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. The versatility of the tortilla is one of the reasons why it has become such a beloved food.

Variations of Homemade Tortillas

Tortillas come in many different varieties. The most common types of tortillas are corn and flour. Corn tortillas are made with masa harina, a type of corn flour, and water. Flour tortillas are made with all-purpose flour, shortening, water, and salt.

Key takeaway: Tortillas have been around for centuries and are a staple of Mexican cuisine. They can be made using either corn or flour and traditionally used lard, but shortening has become a popular alternative. Homemade tortillas with shortening are easy to make and can be used in a variety of delicious dishes. Tips for making perfect tortillas include using warm water, kneading the dough, letting it rest before rolling it out, using a tortilla press, and cooking in a cast-iron skillet or griddle.

Shortening vs. Lard

Traditionally, lard was used in the making of tortillas. Lard is a type of animal fat that is rendered from the fatty tissue of pigs. However, in recent years, shortening has become a more popular alternative to lard. Shortening is a type of fat that is made from vegetable oil.

The use of shortening in the making of tortillas has become controversial. Some people believe that shortening provides a better texture and flavor than lard, while others believe that lard is the only way to make authentic tortillas. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

One key takeaway from this text is the significance of tortillas in Mexican cuisine. Tortillas have been around for centuries, and they are still used in a variety of dishes today, such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. In addition to their versatility, the variations of tortillas, including corn and flour, allow for individual preferences in taste and texture. While lard was traditionally used in making tortillas, shortening has become a popular alternative. However, the use of shortening is controversial as some people prefer the authentic taste of tortillas made with lard. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. Making homemade tortillas with shortening is a straightforward process, and following some tips and tricks can result in perfectly round and delicious tortillas.

Making Homemade Tortillas with Shortening

Making homemade tortillas with shortening is a straightforward process. Here is a recipe for making delicious homemade tortillas.

A key takeaway from this text is the history and significance of homemade tortillas in Mexican cuisine. Tortillas have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, with their origins dating back to the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations. Tortillas are versatile and are used in a variety of dishes such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. Homemade tortillas can be made with either corn or flour, and the choice of fat used, be it lard or shortening, is a matter of personal preference. When making homemade tortillas with shortening, it is essential to ensure that the water is warm, knead the dough, and let it rest before rolling it out. Cook the tortillas on a cast-iron skillet or griddle for the best results.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup vegetable shortening
• 3/4 cup warm water

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add the shortening to the bowl and use a fork or pastry cutter to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Slowly add the warm water to the bowl, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 3-4 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
6. Use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a thin, round tortilla.
7. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
8. Cook each tortilla for 30-45 seconds on each side, or until lightly browned.
9. Serve warm.

Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Homemade Tortillas

• Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot. Hot water can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
• Knead the dough for at least 3-4 minutes to develop the gluten.
• Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
• Use a tortilla press for perfectly round tortillas.
• Cook the tortillas in a cast-iron skillet or griddle for the best results.

FAQs for Homemade Tortillas with Shortening

What type of shortening should I use for making homemade tortillas?

For making homemade tortillas, you can use either vegetable shortening or lard. Vegetable shortening is a plant-based option and is easier to find in grocery stores. Lard, on the other hand, is made from animal fat and can be harder to find. Both are excellent options for making soft, pliable tortillas.

Why is shortening used in the recipe for homemade tortillas?

Shortening is used in the recipe for homemade tortillas to make them soft and pliable. The shortening helps to bind the flour together and makes it easier to roll out the dough. It also helps to keep the tortillas from becoming dry or brittle.

Can I substitute butter for shortening in the homemade tortilla recipe?

While you can use butter as a substitute for shortening in the homemade tortilla recipe, it may not yield the same results. Butter has a lower melting point than shortening, which can cause the tortillas to become greasy and oily when cooked. Shortening is a better option for achieving the desired texture and pliability in homemade tortillas.

How do I store homemade tortillas made with shortening?

To store homemade tortillas made with shortening, allow them to cool completely and then stack them in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Refrigerate the tortillas for up to 7 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating, wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave them until warm.

Can I make homemade tortillas with shortening ahead of time?

Yes, you can make homemade tortillas with shortening ahead of time. Simply prepare the dough, roll out the tortillas, and cook them as directed. Once cooked, allow the tortillas to cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. When you’re ready to use them, reheat the tortillas and they’ll be ready to serve.