Classic Light & Tender Flour Tortillas

1. Combine Flour and Salt

Start by placing the all-purpose flour and kosher salt into the workbowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Give it a few pulses to combine the dry ingredients evenly.

2. Incorporate Lard

Add the cold lard to the mixture. Pulse the food processor a few times until the mixture takes on the consistency of coarse crumbs. This step ensures the lard is well-incorporated into the flour, giving the tortillas their tender texture.

3. Form the Dough

Gradually add the cold water to the mixture and process until a cohesive dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about a minute, just until it becomes smooth. Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.

4. Divide and Rest Dough

After resting, divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, cover them again with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let them rest for another 15 minutes to achieve a more pliable dough.

5. Preheat Cooking Surface

While the dough is resting, preheat a cast iron skillet, griddle, or comal over medium-high heat to ensure your cooking surface is hot enough to cook the tortillas quickly and evenly.

6. Roll Out Tortillas

Once the dough has rested, take one ball and place it on a lightly floured surface. Pat it down into a flat disc and use a rolling pin to roll it out into a very thin 8-inch round. The thinness is key to achieving light and tender tortillas.

7. Cook Tortillas

Carefully place the rolled-out dough onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 15-30 seconds on the first side, until you see bubbles forming on the top and light browned spots on the bottom. Flip the tortilla and cook the other side until it also develops light browned spots. Transfer the cooked tortilla to a plate and cover it with a dish cloth to keep it warm.

8. Serve Tortillas

Repeat the rolling and cooking process with the remaining balls of dough. Serve the tortillas immediately while they are still warm, enjoying their perfect texture and flavor.