Cassava Flour Tortillas
Tortillas are a staple in so many dishes, from tacos to wraps, but traditional versions are often made with processed grains that can spike blood sugar. This cassava flour tortilla recipe is a cancer-fighting alternative—naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and easy to make at home. Cassava is a whole-food, fibre-rich ingredient that supports digestion and blood sugar balance, making it a great choice for an anti-cancer diet.
Why it’s Cancer Conscious
These cassava flour tortillas are a clean, anti-inflammatory alternative to traditional grain-based tortillas. Here’s why they fit into a cancer-conscious diet:
• Cassava flour is a whole-food, gluten-free option that’s high in resistant starch, which supports gut health and balanced blood sugar—both essential for a strong immune system.
• Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which have antimicrobial properties and may support metabolic health. Unlike inflammatory seed oils, coconut oil is a stable, nourishing fat.
• Tapioca flour adds elasticity without gluten, making these tortillas easier to digest and gentler on the gut.
The Glycemic Load
Let’s take a quick look at the glycemic load (GL) of these cassava flour tortillas
ⓘ Why is this important?
Cassava Flour (165g / 1 cup + 2½ tbsp) – 7.13 GL
Tapioca Flour (36g / ¼ cup + 1 tbsp) – 2.98 GL
Total GL for the Entire Recipe (9 tortillas): 7.13 + 2.98 = 10.1 GL
Glycemic Load per Tortilla: 10.1 GL ÷ 9 = 1.1 GL per tortilla
What Does This Mean?
A glycemic load under 10 is considered low, making this recipe a great option for keeping blood sugar levels steady and supporting metabolic health. Cassava flour has a moderate glycemic index, but when paired with fibre-rich, protein-packed fillings, these tortillas fit well into a balanced, cancer-conscious meal.
What’s Essential & What Can Be Swapped
✔️ Cassava Flour – Essential for structure. Other flours won’t work as a 1:1 replacement.
✔️ Tapioca Flour – Adds elasticity. Arrowroot powder can work, but results may vary.
✔️ Xanthan Gum – Helps bind the tortillas. You can try psyllium husk powder instead, but the texture may be different.
✔️ Coconut Oil – Provides stability and nourishment. Avocado oil may work, but coconut oil gives the best texture.
✔️ Hot Water – Activates the flours for the right dough consistency.
FAQ
Cooking With Intention
Cooking is more than just following steps—it’s about nourishing your body with intention. As you knead the dough and cook each tortilla, take a moment to appreciate the ingredients and how they support your health. Cooking from scratch is an act of self-care, and these tortillas are a small but powerful way to fill your plate with love and healing foods. ⓘ Why is this important?
CASSAVA FLOUR TORTILLA RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 cup cassava flour
- ¼ cup tapioca flour
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup hot water
- 3½ tablespoons melted coconut oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cassava flour, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, and salt.
- Stir in the hot water and melted coconut oil. Mix into a shaggy dough, then knead by hand for about 30 seconds until smooth.
- Divide the dough into 8-9 equal balls and gently flatten each into a disk. Cover with a damp towel to keep them soft.
- Roll out each disk between parchment paper using a tortilla press or rolling pin until thin but not translucent.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for about 45 seconds per side, flipping when bubbles form.
- Serve warm or store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze cooked tortillas for longer storage.
