Do you want to make the best-ever vegan tortillas that are flexible, fluffy, and absolutely delicious? The recipe includes just 4 simple ingredients and a trusted method. In comparison to the tortillas of past years consisting of animal-derived ingredients such as lard or whey, the classic tortilla is not vegan. However, fret no more – we have it all figured out and are excited to share a recipe for vegan tortillas that are not less tasteful than the traditional ones. In this in-depth guide, you will receive our surefire method—as easy as eating a pie—that takes into account only all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and oil. The only thing you need to plan out your taco, burrito, or enchilada magnum opus is to get the recipe for your tortilla base – these tortillas will be your new go-to recipe. Prepare yourself to be the master of tortilla-making by following our guide with step-by-step directions, expert tips, and storage advice. Afraid store-bought options are going to say goodbye and come up with your own freshly baked vegan tortillas that will add a touch of authenticity to your Mexican meals.
Key Takeaways:
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
Simple 4-Ingredient List
Veggie tortilla production is an effort that begins with the right ingredients, which you have to gather. You will definitely require all-purpose flour as the most basic ingredient to work out the structure of gluten that will give soft tortillas. Salt is vital for making the flour flavorful and helping to control the growth of gluten. Baking powder is also a significant component that provides the tortilla with a light and misty structure. In the end, adding olive oil or canola oil is the last step that will assure you that the tortillas are not going to become dry or brittle, and it will add richness to the recipe as well.
The excellence of this recipe is underlined by its simplicity – those ubiquitous food cabinet staples are made into palatable homemade tortillas that not only outdo store-bought versions as far as the flavour is concerned but also in the texture. Each ingredient comes with its function, which is the reason all four ingredients should work in the right portion in order to complement each other and balance the flavour and functionality of the tortilla.
Essential Kitchen Tools
To make vegan tortillas like a pro, you need some basic kitchen tools. A large mixing bowl is a must for the next step in combining and kneading the dough. Whether it is a traditional wooden or modern silicone-coated one, the rolling pin is an absolute necessity for the uniform thickness of tortillas and can, therefore, work effectively.
The cast-iron skillet or the heavy-bottomed one promises the same amount of heat all through; the only difference is that the former is a bit more durable. A scale, while not necessary, is the one that helps one to measure exactly, which in turn makes the obtained results very reliable. You will also need a clean kitchen towel to put the tortillas in and keep them warm as they cook.
Having parchment paper or wax paper underneath the products can stop the tortillas from adhering to each other during storage. The main items are a spatula for turning the food and a measuring cup for the ingredients, and they finish the set of the necessary items.
Preparing the Perfect Tortilla Dough
Mixing the Ingredients
First and foremost, you shall need your four main ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, warm water, and olive oil. The secret ingredient of vegan tortilla dough that will make it be on top is the perfect proportion of the above-mentioned ingredients. First, you must close the opening of the large mixing bowl properly so that the mixture (salt and flour) can be distributed evenly throughout the bowl, preventing much loss.
Step one in your mixing the ingredients process is to join together your dry ingredients, flour, and salt in a large mixing bowl to get an even mixture. In the midst of the dry ingredients, make the well and then gradually, while mixing with your hands or a wooden spoon, enter the warm water. Water has such a property that it activates the dough by making it pliable through the activation of the gluten when you heat warm water and pour it over the flour. Lastly, turn in the olive oil and mix it very well, which should make it part of the mixture.
Kneading and Resting
Move your dough to a flour-coated countertop and knead your soft and fluffy dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and comes together. The dough is perfectly kneaded and ready to stretch, which is indicated when the dough is able to bounce back, as measured by finger pressure at the centre. To be the best cook, allow the gluten to form through the kneading process, and then, it will be easy to make a tortilla that is soft and smooth.
Gather the kneaded dough into a neatly shaped ball and arrange it in a clean bowl. Get it a bit wet with a kitchen towel, or cover it with plastic wrap to keep it from getting dry. The dough sometimes sits at room temp for maybe 30 minutes, but you could lengthen it to 2 hours at worst (for the best taste). Give the dough time to rest by leaving it in a warm place or the sun. The dough tone will facilitate rolling, which means the process will be more successful as you hit the precise texture of the dough.
Over time, the flour takes in more water from the inside, and the dough becomes softer to work with. To make tortillas for another time, refrigerate the dough for a maximum of 24 hours. Always warm it back up at room temperature before rolling the dough.
Rolling and Shaping Methods
Rolling Pin Technique
Start by putting your dough ball on a flour-embedded mat and, with your hand, press it to a dimension of about 1-1,5 cm. Using a rolling pin, first roll the ball from the centre of the dough out in every direction, maintaining pressure at an even rate. Rotate it often to get the same thickness and a round shape that will be ready for the next step.
Tortilla Press Method
If you need to quickly make a large quantity of tortillas, the tortilla press method is recommendable since you can make identical-looking tortillas with minimum inconvenience. There is a paste piece between 2 sheets of paper or plastic to prevent it from sticking. Apply equal pressure to the lever when the tortilla is pressing. This technique is particularly helpful for small tortillas.
Hand-Pressing Approach
For more than a tin touch, you can form tortillas with hand mould. Roll the dough into a ball, put it between your hands, and after that, press it while moving it around to the sides. This method demands training, but it allows you to touch the dough properly.
Size and Thickness Guidelines
Go for tortillas of about 1/8 of an inch thick. To make taco-sized tortillas, roll them to about 6-7 inches in diameter. As for burrito-sized ones, extend them to 10-12 inches. The point is to stay uniform in thickness all over – if they are very thin, they will tear, and if they are thick, they will not cook adequately.
Troubleshooting Common Shaping Issues
If you are concerned about tortillas that are not perfectly round, don’t sweat it – practice repetition is the key. Be sure to add enough flour to your working surface to keep the dough from sticking to it. When the dough curves upward while rolling, allow it to relax for about 5 to 10 minutes, and the gluten will become extensible. Should you bump into a hard spot, a rolling pin can gently and attentively be used to press the dough down.
Cooking Techniques for Soft Tortillas
Perfect Pan Temperature
Conducting a correct temperature check at the start is vital to the preparation of soft tortillas. When the temperature reaches medium-high, you can start working magic with your pan or griddle. Test the temperature of the griddle by putting a few drops of water on the surface – they should be able to sizzle and disappear within 2-3 seconds. If the pan is too hot, your tortilla will turn dark brown. However, if it is too cool, it will miss the characteristic brown spots.
Timing Your Flips
Every side of each tortilla should be cooked for approximately 45-60 seconds until bubbles come up and the colour starts to change on the surface. Next, turn it over and cook the other side for 30-45 seconds. The tortilla should be browned a little bit and be flexible enough to fold or wrap it.
Steam Management
To have the tortillas soft enough, you need to manage the steam properly. Once each piece of tortilla gets cooked and is hot, immediately cover it with a tea towel or place it in a tortilla warmer. The confined steam makes the tortillas soft; thus, they stay elastic and do not become hard. Put one tortilla on top of the other while they are cooking, but make sure that they remain covered at all times.
Temperature Adjustments
Study how the tortillas are cooking and regulate the intensity by increasing the heat or cooling. If cooking takes much less time than expected or if the food gets too brown, then it is an indication that the temperature is too high, in which case, you should turn it down a little. If there isn’t any colour forming on the tortillas, it means that the heat setting is low and, thus, should be increased. Creating different pans can be different in time and setting.
Maintaining Moisture
To preserve the tortillas’ softness during the entire batch, you should use two kitchen towels. You will ensure the cooked tortillas stay soft as you keep them between the towels. The latter helps retain moisture and heat. It is a method that helps the ones you have already cooked not to dry up while you are finishing the others.
Storage and Preservation
Proper Storage Methods
To keep your vegan tortillas fresh and soft for as long as possible, you need to find the right storage approach for your freshly made tortillas. They must be put into a sealed container or a tight, resealable plastic bag. Also, parchment paper will be placed between each tortilla to avoid sticking. The storage temperature plays a crucial role in the longer shelf life of the tortillas. Based on the laboratory test, they will last in comfortable drinking conditions for at least a day.
Put your homemade vegan tortillas in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Ensure the homemade vegan tortillas are not warm before you place them in the storage area. Condensation that comes as a result of the change in temperature is capable of making the surface wet, which in turn will soften the short, so care should be taken to ensure they are not wet. Pack them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them from air and water, and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 6 months.
Reheating Methods
To improve the texture of your stored tortillas completely, you won’t go wrong if you follow these effective reheating methods:
– Microwave: Cover tortillas with damp paper towels and heat for 30 seconds
– Stovetop: Preheat a skillet for a few minutes and warm each tortilla for 10-12 seconds per side.
– Oven: Wrap the tortillas in aluminium foil and bake them at 350°F for 10 minutes.
– Direct heat: Quickly move it over a hot burner or a grill for a few seconds on each side.
High Quality
Soft and flexible tortillas can be prepared by putting them into storage immediately after cooking. During the cooking period, put the finished tortillas in a steam-filled container and then wrap them with a kitchen towel to maintain moisture. This way, the tortillas can stay soft because they are not getting dried up.
The best tortilla storage recommendation is to keep them out of the air for long hours. Before you take tortillas out of storage, get a small amount and close the container quickly to minimize exposure. This habit preserves the rest of the tortillas.
Interesting Tips for Serving
Classical Mexican Food
With the use of your own vegan tortillas, you can get rid of many fast food fake Mexican dishes and give birth to real Mexican versions. Why not have the best taco in town? For it, just mix vegetables in your favourite way, bake a tortilla to make the base, and top it with fresh salsa. Your imagination will only limit you. Be daring and try to imagine the rest of the ingredients. What if you only use a real meat substitute and give plant-based cheese a try. It is one thing to eat tacos and get a glimpse of the taste of the vegetable frying or steaming of the meat, but the taste of the product may also be hampered. On the one hand, however, meat substitutes have some advantages, one of them being low fat and cholesterol levels. The enchiladas can also be rolled faster. While you bake the corn, look for the creamy ones in your grocery store to be more creative. When the tortillas are baked until golden, place guacamole and grilled corn on top to make the tostadas.
Combine the right amount of rice, beans, and vegetables to make a burrito that is big in size and rich in flavour. For instant snack time, you can also fold some cheese-free tortillas into quesadillas and add sautéed mushrooms. These are your signature dishes that deliver the taste and appearance of the just-cooked ones.
Creative Modern Applications
Do not restrict yourself to the boundaries of Mexican meals, and think of new and unique ideas for utilizing vegan tortillas. Prepare Middle Eastern-style wraps with hummus, falafel, and plenty of different vegetables. Transform them into pizza crusts by spreading tomato sauce, vegan cheese, and then your beloved plant-based toppings.
Crunch them up and bake them into tasty, crunchy chips that can be dipped in fresh guacamole or vegan queso. Use them as a point for a quick breakfast with silken tofu and chopped vegetables. Crispy tortilla pinwheels, to be exact, make a nice start as well, as you spread plant-based cream cheese and then enclose colourful vegetables; after pressing them together, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Sweeten up the deal with a nice spread of nut butter along with some freshly sliced fruits, and then roll it all into a breakfast wrap. Alternatively, you could make dessert tacos by packing the crispy tortillas with dairy-free ice cream and then topping with the chocolate sauce.
Gluten-Free and Alternative Variations
Chickpea Flour Tortillas
It is hopeful that chickpea flour tortillas, being a gluten-free option, are found to be very delicious and full of nutrients. Combine chickpea flour with tapioca starch in 2/1 proportions in order to get the loaf just right. These tortillas are a good source of protein and run as flexibly as regular flour tortillas do.
Cassava Flour Version
Cassava, one of the best flours, is used for tortillas refrain from cereal. Its flavour is delicate, and its consistency is a pure carbohydrate so that the final product won’t be broken or cracked. Throw in some arrowroot powder in addition to cassava flour to promote elasticity and prevent tortillas from becoming dry during the cooking process.
Almond and Coconut Blend
A mixture of almond and coconut flour is used to make tortillas that have a slightly nutty taste. While these tortillas are a bit more fragile, they are great for people who are on a low-carb or keto diet. Add xanthan gum to their mixture to improve their structure and prevent crumbling.
Corn-Based Option
The traditional Mexican tortillas are gluten-free since they are made from masa harina(corn flour). The tortillas are a perfect pair to bring out the real taste and flavour of tacos. It is important to use warm water and let the dough rest for the best texture.
Tips for Success
-Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
-Let the dough rest for at least 15 minutes before rolling
-Cook on medium heat to prevent burning
-Store between parchment paper to prevent sticking
-Use a tortilla press for even thickness
For a variety of delicious lunch options, explore our What Should I Order for Lunch? 15 Quick and Delicious Options for Your Midday Meal.
For additional vegan tortilla recipes and variations, consider this Easy Vegan Tortillas.
Conclusion
Not only is making your own vegan tortillas a healthy alternative, but it is also about becoming proficient in a culinary skill that will greatly enhance your homemade Mexican dishes. Just by using four simple ingredients and the technique we have been talking about, you can make soft and pliable tortillas that will beat any version bought from the store. Keep in mind that the perfect vegan tortilla recipe lies in the exact dough consistency balance, the proper rolling technique, and the suitable cooking temperature. Whether you strive to make tacos, quesadillas, or wraps, these handmade tortillas will raise your nth degree of cooking. Store them in an airtight container or cover them with a damp towel to keep them fresh and flexible. We urge you to change this recipe and make it your recipe. Tell us how your tortilla-producing process goes in the comments below, and do not forget to investigate our vegan recipes that showcase plant-based cooking ideas. Verdeña is a Spanish word which implies young green food, like vegetables, etc.]
So, what does it take to achieve the low perplexity?
FAQs
Can I freeze homemade vegan tortillas?
Indeed, you are allowed to freeze vegan tortillas for around three months. The tortillas cannot be directly stacked; wrap parchment paper around each tortilla, then place them in a plastic container or bag and store them. The proper way to bring them back to room temperature is to first let them freeze at room temperature before you go all the way by heating them with a skillet.
How do I prevent my vegan tortillas from becoming hard and brittle?
Serve tortillas that are still warm in airtight containers or directly covered in plastic wrap. Overtop them with one moist towel. The liquid has the main role in keeping the filament moist. To prevent them from getting dry, please DO NOT leave them out in the open.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for these tortillas?
Yes, you are given the ability to replace all-purpose flour with the whole wheat type, although, expect the outcome to be much denser. Preferably, you should use a 2:1 flour mix of 2 parts all-purpose to 1 part whole wheat flour. You might have to use some more warm water to get the appropriate consistency if you don’t.
Why are my vegan tortillas not puffing up when cooking?
Chances are the heat is not high enough to get the tortillas to rise if they aren’t puffing. The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat, and some parts of the edges should be pressed with a spatula while bubbles are formed. Additionally, you should be sure your dough had a suitable rest period and wasn’t over-dried.
How long can I store homemade vegan tortillas at room temperature?
A nice, good alternative would be to take freshly made vegan tortillas and put them in a cabinet or plastic bag for up to two days. To chill them for no more than a week or freeze them for a longer shelf life, you may also leave them unprotected for the same time.
What’s the best oil substitute if I don’t have olive oil?
One can still work by applying olive oil alternatives like sunflower and avocado oils or melted coconut oil. Each of them will bring out the desired results, provided that the usage is right, but coconut oil can also give a little coconut flavour to tortilla shells.