Chef John's Flour Tortillas

Step 1

Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder together in a large bowl. Add vegetable shortening and work into flour mixture using a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2

Form a well in the middle of flour mixture and mix in hot water. Work flour and water mixture together with a fork and transfer to a cutting board.

Step 3

Knead until a smooth, soft dough is formed, about 3 minutes. Add more flour if dough is too sticky.

Step 4

Place more flour on cutting board, cover dough with bowl, and let rest for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Cut ball of dough into eight equal parts and cover until needed.

Step 6

Roll out balls of dough either by hand or with a tortilla press.

Step 7

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place flattened tortilla in skillet and cook until it begins to bubble, about 1 minute. Flip tortilla over and cook for an additional minute. Flip again and cook for 1 more minute. Repeat with remaining dough.