Easy Tortillas with a SECRET Ingredient That Will BLOW Your Mind! | Bonus 3 Cheese Quesadillas

Summary

In this video, the host shares a secret recipe for homemade tortillas using bacon grease, a twist that elevates the flavor. He walks viewers through the process of making the dough, which includes flour, baking powder, salt, and hot water, kneading it to perfection. The tortillas are then cooked in a hot skillet, with tips on achieving the ideal texture. As a bonus, the host shows how to make a delicious quesadilla using homemade tortillas, ground beef, and three kinds of cheese. The video celebrates simple, flavorful cooking with a touch of heart and humor.

Takeaways

• 😀 Homemade tortillas are a game-changer when it comes to flavor, and they don't need to be perfectly round to be delicious.
• 😀 The secret ingredient for these tortillas is bacon grease, which adds a rich flavor. It's important to use chilled bacon grease, not hot.
• 😀 The dough is mixed with flour, baking powder, salt, and bacon grease, then hot water is added to bring it all together.
• 😀 Kneading the dough for about 2 to 3 minutes is key to getting the right texture for homemade tortillas.
• 😀 After kneading, the dough should rest for 10 to 15 minutes in a plastic bag to make it easier to work with.
• 😀 When rolling out tortillas, they may not be perfectly round, but working the dough in your hands can help prevent cracking edges.
• 😀 The tortillas should be cooked in a hot skillet or on a flat top, ensuring they stay soft and pliable without getting too crispy.
• 😀 To make the quesadillas, ground beef is browned with onions, a mix of taco seasoning, and optional salsa for extra flavor.
• 😀 The beef mixture is seasoned with a bit of garlic, and you can adjust the spiciness by adding or removing jalapenos.
• 😀 For the quesadilla, three kinds of cheese—Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and cheddar—are used to make it extra cheesy and flavorful.
• 😀 The tortilla is folded over the meat and cheese, then cooked until golden brown and crispy, with the option to adjust the crispiness level to personal preference.

Q & A

What makes homemade tortillas stand out compared to store-bought ones?

Homemade tortillas stand out because they are made with love and attention, often using ingredients like bacon grease which add a unique flavor. The irregular shape of homemade tortillas, like the ones in this recipe, also adds a personal touch, compared to the perfect, round ones typically seen in stores.

What is the secret ingredient in this tortilla recipe?

The secret ingredient in this tortilla recipe is chilled bacon grease. It’s added to the flour mixture to enhance flavor and create a rich texture that sets homemade tortillas apart from others.

Why is it important to use hot water when making the dough?

Hot water helps to melt any remaining bacon grease clumps in the dough, ensuring that the grease is evenly distributed and the dough comes together smoothly.

How long should the dough rest before rolling it out?

The dough should rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and preventing the dough from shrinking or cracking while cooking.

Can you make tortillas without bacon grease?

Yes, you can substitute bacon grease with other fats like Crisco, lard, or even butter, though it will alter the flavor. Bacon grease is key to the unique taste in this recipe.

What kind of ground beef is used in the quesadilla recipe?

The recipe uses 80/20 ground beef, which is a good balance of meat and fat, providing flavor without excess grease. The beef is sourced from a ranch, which the chef claims makes the best hamburger meat.

Why do you add salsa to the beef mixture?

The salsa adds flavor and moisture to the beef mixture. It enhances the taste without being overpowering and contributes to the overall richness of the quesadilla filling.

What is the purpose of the garlic in the quesadilla filling?

The garlic adds depth and aromatic flavor to the beef mixture. Grating the garlic directly into the pan helps to release its oils, blending it well with the other ingredients.

How do you ensure the tortillas don't become too crispy when cooking?

To prevent the tortillas from becoming too crispy, it’s important not to overcook them. The goal is for them to remain soft and pliable, which is achieved by cooking them briefly in a hot cast iron skillet.

What kind of cheese is used in the quesadilla, and why are multiple types chosen?

The quesadilla uses a combination of Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses. Using multiple types of cheese enhances the flavor profile, creating a gooey and rich texture that makes the quesadilla extra delicious.