Here’s a recipe for Grandma Mercie’s flour tortillas with warm melted butter, capturing the essence of traditional homemade tortillas with love, care, and flavor. Flour tortillas have long been a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines, and this particular recipe, with its touch of melted butter, brings a nostalgic warmth to any table.
Ingredients:
For the Tortillas:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour – This will serve as the base of the dough, creating soft and pliable tortillas.
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder – Helps the dough puff up slightly, making the tortillas light and tender.
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt – Adds flavor to the dough.
- ⅓ cup of lard or shortening – Traditional tortillas use lard, which gives them an authentic taste and texture. However, you can use shortening or butter if preferred.
- 1 ¼ cups of warm water – Essential for binding the dough together and creating a soft texture.
For the Butter Glaze:
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted – Used to brush over the tortillas after cooking for a rich, savory finish.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cast iron skillet or griddle
- Pastry brush
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together to ensure the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed through the flour.
- Add the Fat: Using your hands, work the lard (or shortening) into the flour mixture. Pinch and rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The fat should be evenly distributed, but don’t worry about it being perfect—this step helps give the tortillas their flaky texture.
- Incorporate the Water: Slowly add the warm water to the flour mixture, stirring it in with your hands or a spoon. Keep mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be moist but not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the consistency is right.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop the gluten, which will give the tortillas a nice chew.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the tortillas.
Step 2: Shape the Tortillas
- Divide the Dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into 12-16 equal portions, depending on how large you want your tortillas. Roll each portion into a smooth ball using the palms of your hands.
- Flatten the Dough Balls: On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out each dough ball into a thin circle. The tortillas should be about 1/8 inch thick. Try to make the dough as even as possible, but don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round—homemade tortillas have their own charm!
Step 3: Cook the Tortillas
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to quickly cook the tortillas but not so hot that they burn.
- Cook the Tortillas: Place one rolled tortilla onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on the first side, or until small bubbles begin to form and the underside has golden brown spots. Flip and cook the other side for another 30 seconds. The tortilla should have golden-brown patches but remain soft and pliable.
- Stack and Cover: As you cook each tortilla, place them in a clean kitchen towel and cover them to keep warm and soft. Continue cooking the rest of the tortillas.
Step 4: Finish with Melted Butter
- Melt the Butter: While the tortillas are still warm, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Use a pastry brush to generously brush each tortilla with the melted butter as you stack them. The butter will soak into the hot tortillas, adding a delicious richness.
- Serve Warm: Serve the butter-brushed tortillas immediately while they’re warm and soft. The combination of the slightly salty, tender tortilla and the rich, melted butter is irresistible. These tortillas are perfect for enjoying on their own, or you can pair them with beans, rice, or your favorite filling.
Tips for Success:
- Rest the Dough: Don’t skip the resting period. This is crucial for making the dough easier to roll out and prevents the tortillas from shrinking back while you roll them.
- Keep the Tortillas Soft: To prevent the tortillas from drying out, always cover them with a clean kitchen towel while cooking the others. The steam will help keep them pliable and soft.
- Adjust Thickness: Roll the tortillas thinner for a more delicate result, or keep them slightly thicker if you prefer a heartier, chewy texture.
- Store Leftovers: If you have leftover tortillas, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side.
Variations:
- Herb-Infused Tortillas: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the dough for an herby twist on this classic recipe.
- Cheese-Stuffed Tortillas: Roll out the dough slightly thicker and add a sprinkle of shredded cheese to the center of the dough ball before rolling it flat. This will create delicious, melty pockets of cheese inside the tortillas.
Conclusion:
Grandma Mercie’s flour tortillas with warm melted butter are a simple yet nostalgic recipe that brings warmth to any meal. The soft, buttery tortillas have a homemade charm that cannot be replicated by store-bought options. Whether you’re enjoying them plain with butter or filling them with your favorite ingredients, these tortillas are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.