Whole Wheat Tortilla Recipe

Whole wheat tortilla is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional white flour tortillas. This recipe is so simple and requires very minimal ingredients. Tortilla is more like our Indian roti, but traditionally prepared using maize flour and requires simple tips and tricks.This recipe comes in handy for beginners and working people. The flavour and texture of the homemade tortillas are so much better than the ones we find in the store, which is also quite expensive.

Whole Wheat Tortilla

Tortillas are so easy to make and taste great with and curries or dips, kabab or anything. I make it quite often and store it between layers of parchment paper in freezer or fridge and use it whenever you need. 

Jump to:

• About Wheat Tortilla
• Ingredients
• Hacks
• Whole Wheat Tortilla (Step by Step)
• Expert Tips
• FAQ
• Variations
• 📖 Recipe Card

About Wheat Tortilla

Tortilla originates from Mesoamerica. Traditionally they prepare tortillas using maize ( corn ), salt and oil. The word “tortilla” originates from both Spanish and Mexican, but the name and usage differs in both regions. In Spanish, tortilla refers to omelet made out of potatoes, whereas in Mexican it refers to thin, flat bread made from corn or wheat flour. Tortillas are a must have for taco and burritos.

Whole wheat tortillas are a nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional white flour tortillas. Making whole wheat tortillas from scratch is easier than you think, it requires just four simple ingredients like flour, salt, oil and water. Homemade whole wheat tortillas are not only healthier but also taste better than the store-bought ones. They are perfect for wraps, tacos, quesadillas, etc. Give it a try and enjoy the whole grain goodness in your meal!

The whole wheat tortilla will be soft and moist and it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for months. It comes in handy during any time of the day. I have also shared a traditional corn tortilla recipe in my blog.

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Why This Recipe Works

Easy to make : These homemade wheat flour tortillas require simple basic four ingredients which are easily available at the pantry. This homemade goodness can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE - Wraps are an easy and satisfying meal for me. So, I usually make these tortillas in a bunch and store them for months in the freezer. When I don’t want to cook elaborately, I just simply use these tortillas for making wraps. Fill them with chicken, paneer or egg. My husband also loves burritos because they are very filling. I’m not a big fan of beans, so I skip them for myself. This tortilla is great because it does not require any fancy ingredients or tools. For evening snack, I serve the tortilla as baked crispy like nachos with guacamole and Salsa.

No preservatives : Homemade tortillas do not contain any added preservatives and emulsifiers, which are usually found in store bought ones. If you like to make a yeasted version of flatbread, try my soft pita bread recipe in my blog.

Nutritional value : Whole wheat tortilla is rich in dietary fibre which supports gut health, heart rate and boost metabolism.

Ingredients

Whole wheat flour : Whole wheat flour can be freshly prepared at home by grinding wheat kernels into powder and sieve them before storing. This flour provides the structure and nutty flavour to the tortilla. You can also add any millet flour or almond flour of your choice to prepare a more nutritious tortilla.

Salt : Salt is added to enhance the taste and flavour of the tortilla. It also contributes to the gluten development of the dough structure.

Olive oil : Oil is added to provide the richness and softness to the dough. It also prevents them from becoming too dry. You can also use any fat like butter, avocado oil, coconut oil or shortening for preparing the dough.

Hot water : Whole wheat flour requires more liquid than the white flour, so add water accordingly. Don’t add lukewarm water. It should be boiling hot.

Hacks

Dough mixing : Mix flour with salt and oil. Gradually pour hot water and mix with a spoon, don’t add too much water it may turn sticky dough. When the dough is cool enough to handle, knead till it forms a smooth dough. 

Dividing into portions - Form into a log and cut into small portions. Rub the balls with oil, cover and rest it for 30 minutes.

Tortilla making : When the dough is ready, just roll out on a flour dusted surface. Cook on a hot pan with oil until it is golden.

Whole Wheat Tortilla (Step by Step)

Expert Tips

• For best results, cook the tortilla in a cast iron skillet for even cooking.
• You can also add a pinch of baking powder for extra softness.
• Let the dough rest for at least for 30 minutes before rolling.
• Use a rolling pin to spread the dough properly to the correct shape and thickness.
• Store the tortilla only when it is completely cooled.

Storage

Homemade whole wheat tortillas should be completely cooled before storing. Stack the tortilla with a piece of parchment paper in between each one to prevent sticking. Store them in an airtight container or a ziploc bag. It can be stored in the freezer upto 3 months.

Reheating

• Cast iron skillet or tawa : First heat the skillet, then place one tortilla at a time, heat for 30 seconds on each side, cook until it is soft.
• Microwave : For quick reheating, in a plate spread 2 or 3 tortillas and place them inside the oven. Heat for 20 seconds. Be careful not to overcook as it may burn or become hard.
• Oven : Preheat the oven to 180 C. In a baking tray, spread aluminium foil and stack the tortillas. Heat them for 5 to 10 minutes.

Serving

TORTILLA PIZZA : Tortilla is one of the quick ways to satisfy your pizza craving. Just warm the homemade tortilla, top it off with your favourite pizza toppings, cheese and sauces. Bake until the cheese melts.

WRAP : Homemade tortillas can be used to prepare quick and easy wrap during any time of the day. Simply by placing filling of your choice like paneer, egg, meat, vegetables, then roll it up for a tasty  and portable meal.

TACO : Taco is often served as a crispy and folded shell of tortilla filled with meat or vegetables, salsa and cheese. It is a burst of flavour in every bite.

BURRITO : Burrito is a kind of large wrap filled with rice, beans, salsa, meat or vegetables and cheese, then it is tightly rolled to hold the filling and shape. It is a complete meal and keeps you filling for the day.

FAQ

1.What is the difference between indian bread and tortilla ?

Indian breads like roti, chapathi, naan are made from wheat flour or maida ,slightly thicker and often served with curries or vegetables. Whereas tortillas are made from corn or wheat flour, which are thinner and popularly used for wraps, burritos and tacos.

2. Can i make it gluten free?

Yes, you can use any gluten free flour of your choice for preparing tortillas. But the texture may differ. Make sure to add hot water according to the flour's nature.

3.What kind of oil or fat should be used? 

As I have used olive oil here. You can also use neutral flavoured oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil or coconut oil. Some traditional methods of making tortillas use lard or shortening. Make sure to use oils which suit your health.

4.Can I use cold water instead of hot water?

Using cold water instead of hot water leads to hard tortillas. Generally, hot water helps to hydrate the flour and partially cook the starch in dough. It helps to roll the dough thin and soft.

5.Can I add flavours to the tortilla dough?

Absolutely! You can add any italian herbs or seasoning to your tortilla dough for added flavour and taste.

Variations

QUESADILLA : Quesadilla is prepared by filling a tortilla with cheese and other stuffing of your choice like veg or meat filling and it is folded, cooked till crispy golden. It is perfect for cheesy lovers and also a quick option for evening meals. Check my spinach quesadilla.

SPINACH TORTILLA : Add some spinach puree to the tortilla dough while kneading for added color and flavour. It is also a great healthier option for burrito and wrap.

MULTIGRAIN TORTILLA : You can use any millet flour or oats, flax seeds for tortilla making. It adds a nutritional value to your diet. It is a great alternative to regular tortillas.

TORTILLA CHIPS : Homemade tortillas are cut into triangle shape, then deep fried or baked until crispy. It is often served along with guacamole or salsa.

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