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potato flake sourdough tortillas on cooling rack

Potato Flake Sourdough Tortillas

Potato Flake Sourdough Tortillas are the perfect addition to your next taco night. These tortillas are not only simple to make but also soft with a delicious flavor! Whether this is your first time branching out into sourdough or a seasoned baker, this potato flake starter recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. 
5 from 1 vote
Course Side Dish
Servings 10 Medium sized tortillas

Equipment

  • Rolling pin (or tortilla press)
  • Large cast iron skillet or any large skillet
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (can also mix by hand in a large bowl)

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup potato flake starter active or discard
  • ½ cup warm water not hot or it can kill the starter
  • cup olive oil or melted unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions
 

By Hand:

  • In a large bowl, mix the flour and sea salt until well combined using a sturdy wooden spoon.
  • Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
  • Pour the olive oil (or melted butter), potato flake sourdough starter, and warm water into the well.
  • Stir well from the bottom up until all the dry ingredients are incorporated and the dough begins to come together, forming a shaggy ball of dough.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until the dough is smooth. Continue with the fermenting process.

With a Mixer:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix the flour and sea salt using the dough hook until well combined.
  • Add the olive oil (or melted butter), potato flake sourdough starter, and warm water.
  • Start mixing at medium speed. After about 1 minute, when the mixture comes together and begins to form a ball of dough, decrease the speed to low. Continue to mix for 1 minute until the dough is smooth.
  • Once your dough is mixed, shape it into a ball and cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Allow it to ferment at room temperature for about 8-12 hours. You can speed up the process by placing the dough in a warm place. Just be sure it isn't any warmer than 100 degrees.
  • After the fermentation process, either the same day or the next day,  transfer the dough to a clean work surface. Divide the dough into 10 equal portions for larger tortillas or into 12 portions for smaller tortillas.
  • Form each portion into a ball of dough and cover them with a damp tea towel. Let the dough balls rest for 1-2 hours. This resting period allows the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out.
  • After the rest period, sprinkle the dough balls lightly with flour. Flatten each dough ball  on a lightly floured work surface by pressing firmly with the palm of your hand.
  • Heat a large pan over medium heat. A cast iron pan works best, but any pan will do.
  • Using a rolling pin, roll each dough piece into a rough circle, about 9-10 inches in diameter. Remember, the tortillas will shrink slightly when transferred to the pan. If stacking the tortillas, be sure to separate uncooked tortillas with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together,
  • When the pan is hot, place one dough circle into the pan. Cook for 45 seconds to 1 minute, or until the bottom surface has a few pale golden brown spots and the uncooked surface is bubbly. If browning too fast, reduce the heat. If it’s taking longer than a minute to see a few pale golden brown spots, increase the heat.
  • Flip the tortilla to the other side and cook for an additional 15-20 seconds. The tortillas should be soft with a few small brown spots on the surface.
  • Remove the tortilla from the pan with tongs or a fish spatula. Stack them in a covered container or zippered bag to keep them soft.
  • These tortillas are best served warm, but they can be cooled for later use. To reheat, place a slightly damp paper towel in the bottom of a microwave-safe container (with a cover) that will hold the stacked tortillas. Microwave uncovered for 15-30 seconds (start with 15 seconds) or until warm. Keep them covered to hold in the heat while serving.
  • For storage, place the tortillas in an airtight container or zippered bag at room temperature for 24 hours. They can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the tortillas by separating them with parchment or waxed paper and placing them in a zippered bag before freezing.

Notes

Starter Activity: Whether you use an active starter or sourdough discard, the results will be delicious. An active starter is one that has been feed in the last 24 hours. Sourdough discard is starter that hasn't been fed recently and might even come straight from the fridge.
Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough balls to rest for 1-2 hours is crucial. This step ensures the dough is pliable and easy to roll out, resulting in evenly thin tortillas.
Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the tortillas while cooking. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning or undercooking. Each stove and pan may vary slightly, so minor adjustments might be necessary.
Storage: Proper storage is key to maintaining the tortillas' softness. Always keep them in an airtight container or zippered bag to prevent them from drying out.