Easy Homemade Vegan Flour Tortillas Recipe

Ever bitten into a fresh, warm tortilla and thought, Why don’t I make these at home? With this vegan flour tortilla recipe, you can enjoy soft, flavorful tortillas without relying on store-bought options. These homemade tortillas are simple to make, customizable, and perfect for your favorite fillings, whether it’s for vegan quesadillas or breakfast burritos.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Making tortillas at home is simpler than you might think! The recipe uses a handful of basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Each component plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients and how you can adjust them to suit your needs:

All-purpose flour:

This is the backbone of the recipe, providing structure and elasticity to the dough. If you’re looking for a heartier flavor and added nutrition, you can swap this out for whole wheat flour. The result will be slightly denser tortillas with a nutty taste. For softer and chewier tortillas, consider using bread flour, which has a higher protein content. If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or tapioca flour works wonderfully, though the texture will be different.

Oil or vegan butter:

This ingredient adds richness and ensures the tortillas remain soft and pliable. Vegetable oil or olive oil are great neutral options, while coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and tropical flavor. If you’re aiming for a more traditional taste, vegetable shortening is an excellent choice. For those who prefer a lighter tortilla, reducing the amount of oil slightly won’t compromise the structure too much.

Salt:

A small amount of salt makes a big difference, enhancing the flavor of the tortillas. For a slight twist, you could experiment with sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, which have unique mineral flavors.

Warm water:

The temperature of the water matters! Warm water helps bind the dough, making it easier to knead and roll out. Avoid using boiling water, as it can make the dough too sticky to handle. If you prefer, you can substitute warm water with unsweetened plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, for a touch of creaminess.

Want to get creative? Here are a few more ideas to customize your tortillas:

Masa harina:

For a more traditional, corn-flavored twist, blend some masa harina into your all-purpose flour. This hybrid tortilla brings the best of both worlds—soft flour tortillas with the slightly gritty texture and flavor of corn tortillas.

Whole wheat or spelt flour:

For those seeking a wholesome option, combining all-purpose flour with whole wheat or spelt flour creates a more nutritious tortilla without sacrificing softness.

Herbs and spices:

Mix in dried herbs like oregano or spices like garlic powder to add an extra flavor dimension to your tortillas.

These ingredients are highly versatile, allowing you to adapt the recipe to fit your personal preference, dietary needs, or even just what you have on hand. So, whether you’re making soft tacos, wraps, or quesadillas, you can always tweak this vegan tortilla recipe to make it your own!

Helpful Tools

To achieve the best results, these tools come in handy:

• Large mixing bowl: For combining your dry ingredients and forming the dough.
• Rolling pin: A must for rolling out evenly thin tortillas.
• Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan: Ensures even cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the tortilla dough.
• Damp towel: Keeps your dough balls moist while resting.

If you don’t have a rolling pin, a clean surface and any cylindrical object, like a bottle, can work. No cast iron pan? A large skillet or even a hot non-stick pan will do the job!

How to Make Vegan Flour Tortillas

Prep Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.

• Add your oil or vegan butter, crumbling it into the flour mixture until you achieve an even, crumbly texture.

See crumbly texture below.

• Slowly pour in warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Kneading and Resting the Dough

• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for 2-3 minutes until smooth.

• Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball of dough.

• Cover the dough balls with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let them rest for at least 15 minutes to relax the gluten for easier rolling.

Rolling & Cooking

• Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

• Roll each piece of dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s thin enough to see through.
• Place the first tortilla on the hot pan. Cook for 30 seconds until bubbles form and brown spots appear. Flip and cook the second side for 1-2 minutes.

• Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning or undercooking.

Vegan Flour Tortillas Finishing Touches

• Wrap each cooked tortilla in a clean, damp cloth to keep them warm and pliable.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for later use.

Tips And Trick For The Perfect Vegan Flour Tortillas

Making homemade vegan flour tortillas is straightforward, but a few expert tips can help you achieve the softest, most delicious tortillas every time. From rolling out the dough to cooking it just right, these tricks will ensure your tortillas turn out perfect!

1. Perfect Thickness

The thickness of your tortillas directly impacts their texture and how well they cook. Aim for rolling the dough thin enough to see faintly through it, but not so thin that it tears or sticks to the rolling pin. An even thickness ensures the tortilla cooks uniformly, avoiding raw dough spots or overcooked edges. If you’re a beginner, practice makes perfect—don’t worry about getting them perfectly round!

2. Hot Pan

One of the most important steps is cooking the tortillas on a properly heated skillet. The pan should be hot, but not smoking, to produce those beautiful brown spots without burning. Preheat your cast iron skillet or non-stick pan on medium heat for a few minutes before adding the tortilla. To test if it’s ready, sprinkle a drop of water on the surface—if it sizzles and evaporates quickly, you’re good to go. Adjust the heat as needed between tortillas to maintain even cooking.

3. Dough Rest

Letting the dough rest is non-negotiable! This step relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out and less likely to shrink back. Cover the dough balls with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Resting also contributes to the softness and flexibility of the finished tortillas, ensuring they stay pliable for wraps or tacos.

4. Plastic Wrap or Parchment Paper

If you’re making tortillas in bulk, proper storage is key. Use plastic wrap or parchment paper between each tortilla before freezing them. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to grab one or two tortillas at a time. When reheating, thaw them at room temperature or warm them directly on a skillet to restore their softness.

5. Personal Preference

This recipe is easily adjustable to suit your taste. If you prefer a richer flavor, increase the oil slightly. For a lighter tortilla, reduce the oil or use a mild-flavored alternative like vegetable oil or olive oil. Similarly, the salt level can be tailored to your liking. A pinch more or less won’t impact the dough’s structure but can change the flavor profile to your taste.

6. Rolling Pin Alternatives

Don’t have a rolling pin? No problem! A clean bottle or any smooth cylindrical object works as a substitute. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to flatten the dough evenly.

7. Storing Leftovers

To keep tortillas soft after cooking, wrap them in a damp cloth while they’re still warm. Store leftovers in a ziplock bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them with parchment paper in between.

8. Adjusting Heat Levels

Cooking tortillas is an art! If they’re burning too quickly or the pan starts smoking, lower the heat. If they’re taking too long and drying out, turn up the heat slightly. A perfectly cooked tortilla should have golden-brown spots and stay soft without becoming brittle.

9. Practice Makes Perfect

If it’s your first time making tortillas, don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly shaped or uniform. Each batch will improve as you get a feel for the dough’s texture and rolling technique. Remember, the best way to learn is by doing!

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to making fresh tortillas that rival any store-bought option. Happy cooking!

FAQs: Vegan Flour Tortillas