How to make Simple sourdough tortillas
Sourdough tortillas have captured the hearts and taste buds of many due to their distinct and appealing characteristics. The fermentation process used to create sourdough tortillas imparts a unique, tangy flavor that sets them apart from regular tortillas, offering a more complex and enjoyable taste. Additionally, this process contributes to a desirable texture, making the tortillas soft, pliable, and slightly chewy—perfect for wrapping around various fillings without falling apart. Health-conscious individuals also appreciate sourdough tortillas for their nutritional benefits; the fermentation increases the bioavailability of nutrients and makes the tortillas easier to digest, while also potentially lowering their glycemic index. Moreover, sourdough tortillas are often made with simple, natural ingredients, free from artificial additives or preservatives, appealing to those who prefer wholesome, clean-eating options. The artisanal appeal of sourdough tortillas, associated with small-batch production and craftsmanship, further enhances their popularity as people increasingly seek high-quality, handmade products. Overall, the combination of superior flavor, texture, health benefits, and artisanal craftsmanship has made sourdough tortillas a favorite among food enthusiasts.
For breakfast, these tortillas make a perfect base for breakfast burritos filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, avocado, and salsa. For lunch, you can use them to create mouthwatering quesadillas, stuffed with your favorite cheeses and fillings like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken. Sourdough tortillas also shine in dinner dishes, such as tacos filled with savory grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables, topped with fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime. Additionally, they can be used as a wrap for a healthy and satisfying sandwich, loaded with fresh veggies, lean proteins, and a flavorful sauce. Don't forget about snacks—bake them into crispy chips to serve with homemade dips or spreads. The tangy, robust flavor of sourdough tortillas enhances each meal, making them a delightful and nutritious choice for any time of day.
Chicken Salad tortilla sandwich
The first step in making sourdough tortillas involves preparing the sourdough starter, which is essential for the unique flavor and texture of the tortillas. To create the starter, you'll need to combine equal parts of flour and water in a clean jar, mixing thoroughly until no lumps remain. No time for that? We offer dehydrated (or fresh!) sourdough starter in our Urban Greens online store. This mixture should be left uncovered or loosely covered with a cloth to allow natural wild yeast from the environment to begin the fermentation process. Over the next few days, you'll need to "feed" the starter by discarding a portion of it and adding fresh flour and water daily. You'll know the starter is ready when it becomes bubbly, rises consistently after feedings, and develops a slightly tangy aroma. This lively, active starter is the key to infusing your tortillas with the distinctive sourdough flavor that sets them apart from regular tortillas. Once the starter is ready, you can proceed to incorporate it into the tortilla dough, combining it with flour, water, salt, and a bit of fat, such as oil or butter, to create a smooth, pliable dough that will eventually be shaped and cooked into delicious sourdough tortillas. We favor lard for our tortillas as it seems to make the tortillas more pliable than oil.
Once the dough is ready, cut it into small portions - one batch typically renders a dozen ten inch tortillas. Be sure to spread flour on your rolling surface before using a rolling pin to roll them out to a ten inch diameter. The tortilla will not change in size once it hits the cast iron, so be certain they are the size you want before applying the heat. While you are rolling out your tortilla dough, have your cast iron skillet pre-heating on a medium heat.
Place the tortilla in the skillet and let it warm through, for approximately 30-45 seconds each side. It may change in density slightly as it cooks through, but the circumference should remain the same. Bubbles may form and burst as the tortilla cooks. Once cooked to your liking, stack the tortillas on a plate to cool. These tortillas can be used warm immediately, or they can be placed in the refrigerator for future use.
Sourdough tortillas have a one-week shelf life in the refrigerator. If left out at room temperature, they have a four day shelf life. Though sourdough products have a tendency to mold quicker because they have no preservatives, the reason for the shorter shelf life for tortillas is due to them getting tough, and less palatable.
Sourdough tortillas stand out as a healthier option for several reasons, making them a fantastic addition to anyone's diet. The natural fermentation process used to create sourdough tortillas enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, meaning your body can absorb and utilize these nutrients more effectively. This process also breaks down some of the gluten, making the tortillas easier to digest and potentially reducing discomfort for those with gluten sensitivities. Furthermore, sourdough fermentation can lower the glycemic index of the tortillas, leading to more stable blood sugar levels after consumption. Made with simple, natural ingredients and free from artificial additives or preservatives, sourdough tortillas provide a wholesome and nutritious alternative to regular tortillas. We invite you to experience the health benefits and delicious taste of our sourdough tortillas by visiting our online store and placing an order today or explore the opportunity to make your own amazing tortillas at home. Your taste buds and your well-being will thank you!
