These sourdough discard tortillas are a fun way to use leftover dough! They’re soft, slightly tangy, and super easy to make. Just mix, roll, and cook them up in a pan!
Who knew using sourdough would be so cool? I love making these tortillas for taco night. It feels good to reduce waste while enjoying fresh tortillas! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This is the star of the show! It’s a great way to reduce waste while adding flavor. If you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can use a mixture of equal parts plain yogurt and flour to mimic the tanginess.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, but you could use whole wheat flour for a nutty flavor. Feel free to mix in some masa harina for a unique taste and texture, too!
Oil: I prefer olive oil for its rich flavor, but any neutral oil works well. Coconut oil or avocado oil could also be nice substitutes, depending on what you have on hand.
Water: This is adjustable depending on your dough consistency. If using whole wheat flour, you might need a bit more water to hydrate the dough properly!
What’s the Best Way to Knead Dough for Tortillas?
Kneading is crucial for good texture in your tortillas. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- On a floured surface, gently flatten the dough with your hands.
- Fold it over and push it down with the heel of your hand.
- Give it a quarter turn, and repeat the folding and pressing for about 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Don’t over-knead; you want it soft and elastic. Letting it rest briefly after kneading can also help improve elasticity.
Sourdough Discard Tortillas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 10-15 minutes of cooking time. In approximately 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious homemade tortillas ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter discard, flour, salt, and oil. Use a spoon or your hands to mix these ingredients together until they’re well combined.
2. Creating the Dough:
Slowly add the water while mixing. You want the dough to be soft and pliable, but not sticky. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little more water—just a teaspoon at a time.
3. Kneading:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 2-3 minutes until you have a smooth texture. This helps develop the gluten and gives your tortillas a nice chew!
4. Portioning the Dough:
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces for smaller tortillas or fewer if you want larger ones. Roll each piece into a ball. This helps them stay uniform when you roll them out.
5. Rolling Out the Tortillas:
Using a rolling pin, take each ball and roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for a thin, round circle about 6-8 inches in diameter. If the dough sticks, don’t hesitate to sprinkle on more flour!
6. Cooking the Tortillas:
Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla in the pan and cook for about 30-45 seconds until you see bubbles forming and golden brown spots appearing. Flip it over and cook the other side for another 30 seconds until it’s just right.
7. Keeping Warm:
Once cooked, transfer the tortillas to a clean kitchen towel and cover them to keep warm and soft. This helps prevent them from drying out while you finish with the rest.
8. Serving:
Your tortillas are ready to be served! Enjoy them fresh as a wrap, taco shell, or with any favorite fillings you like. They pair perfectly with everything!
Enjoy your homemade, tangy, and soft tortillas made from sourdough discard!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes! While all-purpose flour is recommended for light and soft tortillas, you can use whole wheat flour or a blend of flours like masa harina. Just note that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Tortillas?
Store leftover tortillas in an airtight container or wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them by placing parchment paper between each tortilla before sealing them in a freezer bag, for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and cooking to ensure they turn out well.
What Should I Do if My Dough is Sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth and pliable consistency. Make sure to knead the dough well after adding more flour!