Authentic Homemade Spanish Tortilla Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup water
3 tablespoons olive oil

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Stir in water and oil.
Turn onto a floured surface and knead 10-12 times, adding a little flour or water if needed to achieve a smooth dough.
Let rest for 10 minutes.
Divide dough into eight portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 7-in. circle.
In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook tortillas over medium heat for 1 minute on each side or until lightly browned. Keep warm.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the flour, salt, water, and oil.
Rolling Pin - A tool used to roll out the dough into a 7-inch circle.
Nonstick Skillet - A large skillet coated with cooking spray for cooking the tortillas.
Cooking Spray - Used to coat the nonstick skillet to prevent sticking.
Flour - Used for dusting the surface while rolling out the dough.

Recipe variations

Whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour
Adding herbs or spices to the dough, such as garlic powder, cumin, or oregano
Using cornmeal instead of flour for a corn tortilla
Adding shredded cheese or chopped vegetables to the dough for a flavored tortilla
Replacing water with vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor
Making gluten-free tortillas using gluten-free flour mix or almond flour
Using coconut flour or chickpea flour for a different flavor and texture
Making spinach or beet tortillas by adding pureed spinach or beet juice to the dough
Creating a sweet tortilla by adding sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla to the dough
Adding cooked and seasoned ground meat or beans to the tortilla filling

Recipe overview

Enjoy the taste of homemade tortillas with this simple and quick recipe. These tortillas are made with basic ingredients - all-purpose flour, salt, water, and olive oil. They require a touch of kneading and a few minutes of rest, before being rolled out and cooked to perfection on a stove. You'll love the soft texture and delicious flavor of these tortillas, which serve as the perfect base for tacos, wraps, and more. With a total prep and cook time of around 30 minutes, you can whip up these tortillas any time you crave something homemade.

Common questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. The tortillas may have a slightly different texture and taste, but it will still work.
Can I make the tortillas ahead of time? Yes, you can make the tortillas ahead of time. Once cooked, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Can I freeze the tortillas? Absolutely! You can freeze the tortillas for later use. Place them in a ziplock bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Can I reheat the tortillas? Yes, you can reheat the tortillas. Simply wrap them in aluminum foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a minute on each side.
Can I make smaller or larger tortillas? Certainly! You can adjust the size of the tortillas to your preference. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the tortilla dough into thin circles.
Large Bowl - Used to mix and knead the dough ingredients.
Skillet - Nonstick skillet used to cook the tortillas.
Cooking Spray - Used to coat the skillet to prevent the tortillas from sticking.
Flour - Used for dusting the surface while rolling out the tortillas.

Origin stories

Tortillas, a staple in Mexican cuisine and a key component in dishes like tacos and burritos, have a rich history dating back thousands of years. The ancient peoples of Mesoamerica, including the Aztecs and Mayans, made tortillas from maize, a crop they considered sacred. They would soak the maize in lime water, grind it into a dough known as masa, and then cook it on a hot griddle. The practice of making tortillas survived the Spanish conquest and continues to be a vital culinary tradition in Mexico and Central America. Today, tortillas come in many forms, not only made from corn but also from wheat flour, and they have made their way into kitchens around the world.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.