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Tortillas de Harina (Flour Tortillas)

This authentic recipe for homemade flour tortillas delivers a soft, pliable texture and rich flavour that shop-bought versions simply cannot match. By rubbing chilled pork lard into plain flour, you create a delicate dough that puffs beautifully when it hits the heat. These versatile flatbreads are essential for any Mexican-inspired feast, providing the perfect sturdy yet tender base for spicy fillings and vibrant salsas.

As a dairy-free staple, these tortillas are surprisingly simple to master and rely on basic store-cupboard ingredients. The secret lies in the resting period, which relaxes the gluten and ensures the dough is easy to roll thinly. Serve them warm from the frying pan, wrapped in a clean tea towel to maintain their steam and softness, alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

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Ingredients for Tortillas de Harina (Flour Tortillas)

  • 375g plain flour, plus more if needed

  • 120ml pork lard (or substitute vegetable shortening), chilled

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • About 120ml hot water, plus more if needed

How to make Tortillas de Harina (Flour Tortillas)

Mix the flour and pork lard with your fingers until the mixture is the texture of coarse sand. Then add the salt with the hot (but not scalding) water and knead well. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s a little dry, add more hot water. The kneaded dough should be slightly tacky but not sticking to the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.

Divide the dough into 8 pieces and roll each one into a round ball. Roll each ball between sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap into as thin a round as possible (the rounds will contract a bit when you stop rolling). As you roll each one, place it on a hot nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Cook for about 30 seconds, or until the tortilla starts to puff. Then flip and cook another 30 seconds. It should be cooked through and just speckled with golden brown spots. As the tortillas cook, place them in your serving dish covered with a dish towel, which will help keep the tortillas soft and pliable.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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