Tortilla Presses: How to Make Different Varieties of Tortillas

Tortillas are a versatile and delicious staple in many cuisines. They can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to quesadillas and enchiladas. While store-bought tortillas are convenient, making your own tortillas can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the help of a tortilla press, you can easily make different varieties of tortillas at home. In this blogs, we will explore how to make different types of tortillas using a tortilla press.

Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are a traditional type of tortilla that are made from masa harina, which is a type of corn flour that has been treated with lime. Corn tortillas have a slightly nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix the masa harina and salt.
• Add the warm water and mix with your hands until a dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
• Divide the dough into equal-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.
• Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cut a piece of parchment paper into a square that is slightly larger than your tortilla press.
• Place a ball of dough in the center of the parchment paper and flatten it slightly with your hand.
• Cover the dough with another piece of parchment paper.
• Using a tortilla press, press down on the dough ball until it is flattened into a thin, round tortilla.
• Remove the top layer of parchment paper and carefully lift the tortilla from the bottom layer using a spatula.
• Place the tortilla onto the preheated griddle or skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned and cooked through.
• Repeat steps 5-10 with the remaining dough balls.

Flour Tortillas

Flour tortillas are a popular alternative to corn tortillas. They are softer and more pliable than corn tortillas, which makes them great for dishes like burritos and quesadillas.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup warm water

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the vegetable oil and mix with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Slowly add the warm water and mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
• Divide the dough into equal-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.
• Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cut a piece of parchment paper into a square that is slightly larger than your tortilla press.
• Place a ball of dough in the center of the parchment paper and flatten it slightly with your hand.
• Cover the dough with another piece of parchment paper.
• Using a tortilla press, press down on the dough ball until it is flattened into a thin, round tortilla.
• Remove the top layer of parchment paper and carefully lift the tortilla from the bottom layer using a spatula.
• Place the tortilla onto the preheated griddle or skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned and cooked through.
• Repeat steps 7-12 with the remaining dough balls.

Spinach Tortillas

Spinach tortillas are a great way to add some extra nutrition and color to your tortillas. They are made with a mixture of spinach and flour.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup warm water

Instructions:

• In a blender or food processor, blend the spinach leaves until they are finely chopped.
• In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder.
• Add the vegetable oil and mix with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add the chopped spinach and mix until combined.
• Slowly add the warm water and mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
• Divide the dough into equal-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.