tortilla

Tortilla is a thin, round flatbread, typically made from wheat or corn flour, with versatile applications in the kitchen. It serves as a base for various recipes, such as the beloved burrito, tacos, wraps, quesadillas, enchiladas, and other delights from Mexican cuisine. You can also use it on its own as an alternative to bread or as a side dish. When you cut it into small triangles and toast it on a pan, you get perfectly crunchy homemade nachos, ideal for dipping into guacamole, cheese, or sour cream sauces. Such a treat is truly a must-have for any film night. The crunchy tortilla pieces also perfectly complement a creamy lentil soup or a Mexican bean soup with coriander.

How to prepare a tortilla?

What to fill your tortilla with? The choice is entirely yours and limited only by your imagination. It’s ideal to use a protein-rich base, such as a blend of ground meat, shredded chicken, or alternatives like tofu, seitan, tempeh, or tuna. Then, simply incorporate your favourite vegetables, dressing, and voilà, you have a nutritious meal ready to be served. You can even create more elaborate main dishes like homemade gyros or kebabs. However, you also can’t go wrong with reaching for a tortilla when you crave a quick snack. A prime example is a folded tortilla – spread it with tomato sauce, add cheese, ham, and your preferred veggies. Then fold it and cook on a pan. This folded and healthy tortilla makes for a delightful breakfast or a swift dinner option.

This round flatbread can come to your rescue even when you crave something sweet. For example, give a try to a tortilla spread with peanut or another nut butter. Then, add pieces of banana or strawberry and wrap it up. You can lightly toast it on the pan from the sides and garnish it with a drizzle of chocolate syrup. If you also add a spoonful of yoghurt, you’ll have a delicious dessert and snack that satisfies both hunger and sweet cravings at once.

How to quickly wrap a tortilla?

Tortillas come in various diameters and sizes, and so the amount of filling should be adjusted accordingly. Smaller ones work well for tacos, where you simply fold the flatbread. Larger ones are suitable for kebabs or burritos, requiring you to master the art of wrapping a tortilla. There are many techniques, but for most recipes, the following method will suffice. Place the tortilla on a work surface, spread it with sauce, and arrange the filling in a narrow strip on the bottom half. Then fold the side edges so that they almost touch, but the filling is still visible between them. Hold the side corners with your fingers and pull the bottom edge over them. Continue rolling towards the upper empty part of the tortilla. A tortilla prepared like this can then easily accompany you wherever you go.

What distinguishes a tortilla from a wrap?

A tortilla is a thin, unleavened flatbread typically made from flour and water. In contrast, wrap dough often incorporates yeast and occasionally spices. Both types of flatbreads lend themselves to filling or grilling, so opt for the one that complements your dish.

How long can you store opened tortillas?

Most producers recommend refrigerating opened packs of tortillas. Stored in a sealed bag, tortillas can stay fresh for several additional days. Always adhere to the guidelines provided on the packaging.

What to do with a hard tortilla?

If your tortilla becomes hard, try wrapping it in a damp, clean towel and placing it in the microwave for a few seconds on low power. The steam from the towel should help soften it. Alternatively, you can attempt to pan-fry it on both sides with a bit of oil or clarified butter. Finally, if you cut the tortilla into small triangles, lightly coat them with oil, season, and bake, you’ll end up with crunchy nachos.