Introduction
Making sourdough tortillas is a delightful way to enjoy the unique flavors and textures that come from using a whole wheat sourdough starter. This recipe combines the tangy essence of sourdough with the rich taste of butter and the smooth texture of lard, resulting in a tortilla that is both nutritious and delicious. Follow these steps to create a batch of homemade tortillas that can be a staple in your pantry or emergency food supply.
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat sourdough starter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup cold cubed butter
- ½ cup lard
- ¾ cup hot water
Preparation
Start by preparing the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Next, mix in the whole wheat sourdough starter. Add the starter to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The starter should be at room temperature and active for the best results.
Adding Fats
Cut in the cold cubed butter and lard into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. The goal is to achieve a crumbly texture, which will help create flaky tortillas. The combination of butter and lard provides a perfect balance of flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can use all butter or another type of fat, but the butter-lard blend is highly recommended.
Incorporating Water
Pour in the hot water and mix until the dough comes together. The water should be hot enough to slightly warm the dough but not so hot that it kills the yeast in the starter. Knead the dough gently on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Form the dough into a ball, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the tortillas easier to roll out.
Shaping and Cooking
Divide the dough into 12 equal parts and roll each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball and roll it out to a 12-inch diameter. Cook the tortillas on a preheated cast iron skillet over medium-low heat for about 45 seconds on each side. The tortillas should puff up slightly and develop golden spots. A large cast iron skillet is ideal for cooking tortillas. It provides even heat distribution and a non-stick surface that allows the tortillas to cook evenly without sticking. Cooking tortillas at the right temperature is crucial. Too high heat can cause the tortillas to burn, while too low heat can result in a doughy texture. Aim for medium-low heat to achieve the perfect golden brown color.
Serving and Storage
Keep the tortillas warm in the oven with wet paper towels between layers to maintain their softness. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later use. This sourdough tortilla recipe offers a unique twist on traditional tortillas by incorporating a whole wheat sourdough starter. The blend of butter and lard adds a rich flavor and smooth texture, while the cooking process ensures that each tortilla is perfectly golden and soft. Follow these steps to make a batch of delicious tortillas that can be a versatile addition to your pantry or emergency food supply.
Summary
This sourdough tortilla recipe combines the unique flavors and textures of sourdough with the rich taste of butter and the smooth texture of lard, resulting in a nutritious and delicious tortilla. By following the steps carefully, you can create a batch of homemade tortillas that are both tasty and versatile.