Soaked Whole Wheat Tortillas with Long Fermentation Method

Prep: 45 minCook: 30 min24 servingsmediumTex-Mex
Soaked Whole Wheat Tortillas with Long Fermentation Method

Traditional whole wheat tortillas enhanced with an optional soaking method that improves digestibility and develops deeper flavor through 12-24 hour fermentation. Made with freshly ground whole wheat flour, olive oil, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, these homemade tortillas offer superior taste and texture compared to store-bought versions. The soaking process breaks down phytic acid and makes nutrients more bioavailable, while creating tortillas that are tender, pliable, and perfect for wraps, tacos, or quesadillas. Choose between quick preparation or the traditional soaked method for enhanced nutrition and flavor.

Ingredients

24 servings
  • 6 cups whole wheat flour, preferably freshly ground
    spelt flour1:1gluten-free

    ancient grain option

    Full guide →
  • 2 cups pure water, cold
  • 6 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar(optional)
    omit0:1quick

    less tang

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoons sea salt
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus additional for frying
    melted virgin coconut oil1:1dairy-free

    tropical flavor

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in mixer bowl

  2. 2

    Turn mixer to dough setting and add oil

  3. 3

    Gradually add water and apple cider vinegar until mixture cleans bowl sides and forms central ball

  4. 4

    Let machine knead dough for 2 minutes

  5. 5

    Remove dough from mixer

  6. 6

    For soaked version, let dough rest twelve to twenty-four hours before proceeding

  7. 7

    Divide dough into 32 parts for small tortillas or 24 parts for large tortillas

  8. 8

    Roll each part into ball and arrange on cookie sheet

  9. 9

    Spray balls with oil and cover tightly with plastic wrap

  10. 10

    For unsoaked version, let balls rest 1 hour before proceeding

  11. 11

    Heat flat cast iron frying pan over medium heat and add small amount of oil

  12. 12

    Oil clean, flat work surface

  13. 13

    Roll out one dough ball with oiled rolling pin into circle approximately 1/8 inch thick

  14. 14

    Place rolled tortilla in heated pan

  15. 15

    Cook for about 25 seconds until several bubbles form in dough

  16. 16

    Flip tortilla with spatula and cook other side for 15 to 25 seconds until bubbles are browned

  17. 17

    Remove tortilla from pan and place between towels to stay warm and moist

  18. 18

    Roll out next tortilla while previous one cooks

  19. 19

    Repeat until all balls are rolled and cooked

  20. 20

    Add oil to pan and rolling pin as needed

Tips

Tip 1

Oil your rolling pin and work surface generously to prevent sticking and make rolling easier.

Tip 2

Keep cooked tortillas between towels to maintain warmth and moisture for the best texture.

Tip 3

The soaking method improves digestibility but requires advance planning - start 12-24 hours ahead.

Good to Know

Storage

Store in zipper seal freezer bag in refrigerator up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.

Make Ahead

Dough can be made 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated. For soaked method, plan 12-24 hours ahead.

Serve With

Serve warm, wrapped in towels to maintain moisture and pliability.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Oil work surface and rolling pin generously to avoid dough sticking and tearing.

Watch

Don't overcook tortillas to prevent them becoming brittle and dry.

Watch

Keep cooked tortillas covered with towels to prevent moisture loss.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

olive oil
melted virgin coconut oil1:1dairy-free

tropical flavor

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

whole wheat flour
spelt flour1:1gluten-free

ancient grain option

Full guide →
whole wheat flour
einkorn flour1:1gluten-freegluten-free

ancient grain option

Full guide →

General Alternatives

olive oil
avocado oil1:1neutral

high heat stable

Full guide →
apple cider vinegar
omit0:1quick

less tang

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Yes, mix ingredients by hand and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. The dough will be slightly stickier but workable.

What if I don't have time for the soaking method?

Skip the long rest and proceed directly to dividing after the 1-hour ball rest. You'll still get good tortillas.

How long do these tortillas keep?

Fresh tortillas keep 1 week refrigerated or 3 months frozen in sealed bags. Reheat in dry pan briefly.