Living in Collinsville, Mississippi, it is not often that one comes across a diverse group of cultures. The intent of starting this new section of The Squire is to highlight food from other cultures that, although sometimes seen and possibly eaten, are not typically made in southern households. 

Flour tortillas are the staple in many Hispanic households because of their ability to be paired with anything. Their diversity ranges from breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even some desserts. For many Hispanic Americans, homemade tortillas are the taste of home.

They originated in Spain, with the earliest proof of them going as far back as 711 A.D. during the Muslim conquest. Though they did not originate in Mexico, they became a common household food along with the namesake corn tortillas. 

Serving: 12 tortillas

Prep Time: 10-20 minutes 

Cook Time: 30-50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

3 Cups of flour

2 Pinches of salt

2 Pinches of baking powder

1 cup of hot water (typically straight off the stove but Caution: do not mix with your hands)

⅓ cup of lard or extra virgin olive oil

Instructions: 

• Wash your hands.

  

• In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients (Flour, Salt, Baking Soda). You can use your hands or a silicone spatula for this step.
• Next, begin adding the lard or olive oil slowly into the dry mixture. As you
• add the lard, you may begin adding the water while mixing WITH A SPATULA (No burns people.)
• Once all ingredients are incorporated, throw the dough on a floured surface and knead like your life depends on it. 
• Using a knife, cut the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll into a ball. Then flatten the ball slightly in your hand and cover both sides with flour.
• Cover the dough with a dish towel while you clean up the mess you just made. Let sit for 20 minutes. Set a reminder on your phone because you will forget what you are making. 
• Next, begin rolling the dough into circles that are ⅛ of an inch thick. They may not look perfect, but that’s alright because they will taste delicious. DO NOT stack the rolled-out dough, because then you will have tortillas that are stuck together. 
• When you are ready to begin cooking, place your flat skillet on the stove and set to medium heat. Gently place your tortilla on the pan and turn every 40-45 seconds until golden brown dots begin to form. You may use a metal spatula if needed. If your tortilla begins inflating do not panic, all that you need to do is release the air inside with a fork. 
• When the tortilla is done, take it off the stove and place onto half of a clean dish towel and fold the other half over so it covers all sides of the tortilla. 
• Enjoy the tortilla with whatever your heart desires, whether it be steak, fideo, or even just a little bit of butter and salt.