Simple Gluten-Free Tortillas

Recipe by King Arthur Test Kitchen
5 Reviews 4.2 out of 5 stars

Soft and tender with just the right amount of chew, these tortillas are a versatile every-meal treat: with eggs at breakfast, holding sandwich fillings at lunch, and served as a side (or stuffed with a classic tortilla filling) at dinner. Bonus: you can have them on the table in under an hour!

We know you’ll love this gluten-free version of our Simple Tortillas recipe, a long-time favorite here on our site. Substituting Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour for the flour in that original yields delicious tortillas that are sure to be a hit with friends and family following a gluten-free diet. Enjoy!

Prep
15 mins
Bake
20 to 25 mins
Total
35 mins
Yield
8 tortillas
Save Recipe
Gluten-Free Simple Tortillas

Instructions

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  1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

  2. Add the lard (or butter, or shortening; if you're using vegetable oil, add it in step 3). Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the fat into the flour until it disappears.  

  3. Pour in the lesser amount of hot water (plus the oil, if you're using it), and stir briskly with a fork or whisk to bring the dough together into a shaggy mass. Stir in additional water as needed to bring the dough together.

  4. Turn the dough out onto a work surface lightly dusted with Measure for Measure flour. Knead briefly, just until the dough forms a ball. If the dough is very sticky, gradually add a bit more Measure for Measure.

  5. Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Round the pieces into balls, flatten slightly, and allow them to rest, covered, for about 30 minutes (see "tips," below). If you wish, coat each ball lightly in oil before covering; this ensures the dough doesn't dry out.

  6. While the dough rests, preheat an ungreased cast iron griddle or skillet over medium high heat, about 400°F.

  7. Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll into a round about 8" in diameter. Keep the remaining dough covered while you work. Fry the tortilla in the ungreased pan for about 30 seconds on each side. Wrap the tortilla in a clean cloth when it comes off the griddle, to keep it pliable. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.

  8. Serve tortillas warm or at room temperature. If there are leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in an ungreased skillet, or for a few seconds in the microwave.

Tips from our Bakers

  • Although traditionally made with lard, these tortillas are equally delicious using butter, shortening, or vegetable oil as the fat. If you choose to use oil, add it with the water in step 3.

  • The resting period improves the texture of the dough by giving the flour time to absorb the water. You may extend the resting, or skip it altogether if you don't have the time; the recipe is pretty forgiving. The tortillas will roll out more easily if you include the rest, though.

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