These Tortillas de Harina, or handmade flour tortillas, are inspired by my childhood and easy to make at home without a tortilla press. Use them to make your favorite Mexican recipes, wraps, breakfast burritos, and more and enjoy them in just 30 minutes!
In a large bowl, use your hands to combine the 2 ½ cups of flour, and unsalted vegan butter, making sure to massage all the clumps of shortening into the flour. I usually continuously rub my hands in a back and forth motion to feel that all the vegan butter particles have been broken up. If the dough feels like it’s too wet and sticky, try adding in a little more flour by the tablespoon. When it seems that they're well-combined, mix in the baking powder.
Dissolve the salt in hot water and pour 2/3 of it into the flour mixture, mix in with your hands. Add the rest of the water if there are still loose flour particles - I sometimes need to add another 1/2 tsp of water to make sure it all sticks. Beware, though, it should be smooth, not sticky.
Divide dough into 10 equal-sized balls of dough, and cover them with a damp warm towel and let them rest for 30 minutes.
After the dough has rested, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Continue to lightly flour the dough if it begins to stick to the rolling pin or surface.
On a hot un-greased nonstick griddle or skillet, place the rolled out tortilla dough for about 45 seconds or until it has brown spots on the bottom. Make sure it bubbles. Flip over and do it again to the other side.
When tortillas are finished, stack them on a plate covered in a towel.
Notes
Make sure to use hot water. It does not need to be boiling, but should be really warm water (ideally be about 110 degrees F). The hot temperature will help hydrate the dough and make the best, soft and chewy tortillas.
Keep them warm. As you cook, stack your tortillas on a plate and keep them covered with a clean kitchen towel. This will trap the heat inside and keep the tortillas warm and pliable.
Use a tortilla press. If you happen to have one, a tortilla press can be very helpful in making thin tortillas with an even thickness.