Whole Wheat Sourdough Tortillas
Looking to add a wholesome touch to your taco nights? Then, look no further than these homemade whole wheat sourdough tortillas! These tortillas are not only delicious but also pack a nutritious punch, thanks to the addition of whole wheat flour and the natural fermentation process of sourdough. Plus, making them from scratch allows you to skip the preservatives and additives found in store-bought tortillas. Ready to get to it? Then, keep scrolling for this awesome and easy recipe!
What is sourdough?
Sourdough is a method of bread making that relies on natural fermentation to leaven the dough. It involves mixing flour and water and allowing it to ferment over time, usually with the help of wild yeast and lactobacilli bacteria present in the environment.
is sourdough bread actually healthier?
Sourdough bread is often considered healthier than regular bread due to its easier digestibility, increased nutrient absorption, lower glycemic index, and reduced acrylamide formation during baking. The fermentation process breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making it easier to digest. Additionally, sourdough bread typically causes a slower and steadier increase in blood sugar levels compared to regular bread, which can be beneficial for overall health.
How do you prepare a sourdough starter for baking?
To prepare a sourdough starter for baking, mix equal parts flour and water in a clean container and cover it loosely. Feed the starter regularly with equal parts flour and water, discarding some of the starter each time to maintain a manageable size. Keep the starter at room temperature and observe signs of fermentation, such as bubbles and a sour aroma. Once the starter is active and bubbly, it's ready to be used in sourdough bread recipes.
what can you make with sourdough starter besides bread?
Well for one - these Whole Wheat Sourdough Tortillas! But really, the possibilities with sourdough are endless. I’ve played around with my sourdough starter in a variety of recipes and here’s a list of some of my favorites:
Artisan bread
Whole wheat sandwich bread
Soft hoagie rolls
Cinnamon rolls
Cookies
Pancakes
Doughnuts
Soft pretzels
Pizza dough
Brioche buns
Why use sourdough in tortillas?
Using sourdough in tortillas not only adds flavor but also offers several health benefits. The fermentation process breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making the tortillas easier to digest and increasing the bioavailability of nutrients!
sourdough tortilla ingredients
Active Sourdough Starter: The sourdough starter provides natural leavening and adds flavor to the tortillas through fermentation. It also helps improve the texture and digestibility of the final product.
Whole Wheat Flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the tortillas. It contributes to the overall structure and texture of the dough.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the tortillas and helps strengthen the gluten network in the dough. It also regulates fermentation and improves the texture of the final product.
Water: Water hydrates the flour and helps bind the ingredients together to form a smooth and elastic dough. It also facilitates gluten development and ensures proper fermentation.
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How to make whole wheat sourdough tortilla shells
In a mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, whole wheat flour, and salt. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too dry, you can add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Once the dough is smooth, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size and is bubbly.
After the dough has fermented, divide it into small balls, each about the size of a golf ball.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball of dough into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Use a rolling pin to achieve a uniform thickness.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place a rolled-out tortilla onto the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly golden and cooked through.
Repeat the process with the remaining balls of dough, stacking the cooked tortillas on a plate and covering them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and soft.
Once all the tortillas are cooked, you can serve them immediately or store them in a sealed container at room temperature for a day or two. If you're planning to store them for longer, you can freeze them for later use.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if you prefer. However, whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber and nutrients to the tortillas, making them a healthier option.
Can I make these tortillas gluten-free?
While this recipe uses whole wheat flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make gluten-free sourdough tortillas. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary.
How should I store leftover tortillas?
Store leftover tortillas in a sealed container at room temperature for a day or two. If storing for longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for later use. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Making homemade whole wheat sourdough tortillas is easier than you might think and offers a nutritious alternative to store-bought options. Plus, they're incredibly versatile and perfect for wrapping up your favorite fillings. Give them a try for your next taco night or meal prep session—you won't be disappointed!
Whole Wheat Sourdough Tortillas
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons water (as needed)
- Additional flour for dusting
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, whole wheat flour, and salt. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too dry, you can add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Once the dough is smooth, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size and is bubbly.
- After the dough has fermented, divide it into small balls, each about the size of a golf ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball of dough into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Use a rolling pin to achieve a uniform thickness.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place a rolled-out tortilla onto the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly golden and cooked through.
- Repeat the process with the remaining balls of dough, stacking the cooked tortillas on a plate and covering them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and soft.
- Once all the tortillas are cooked, you can serve them immediately or store them in a sealed container at room temperature for a day or two. If you're planning to store them for longer, you can freeze them for later use.
P.S. Enjoy this recipe? Then, be sure to pin it to Pinterest for next time!
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