How Do You Make Tortillas From Scratch?
According to Mayan legend, the first tortilla was made as a gift to a king in 10,000 B.C. Since then, tortillas have become a necessity in the Mexican diet, making up more than half of the protein and calories consumed daily by the poor. They are also popular in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine in the United States. This recipe yields about 12 large flour tortillas. Combine the salt, baking powder, and 4 cups of flour in a large mixing bowl, and mix them together with a wire whisk. Add the shortening to the bowl and mix it in with your hands. Mix the half-and-half with the water in a separate bowl, and then pour it into the flour mixture. Use your hands to squeeze the dough together repeatedly, until a stiff ball is formed. Transfer the dough to a clean, flat surface and knead it for about five minutes, or until it becomes elastic, smooth and firm. Form the dough into a ball again, and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Let the dough ball rest at room temperature for one hour, and then unwr
