Tortilla presses are a must-have tool for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine. They make it easy to flatten dough into round, thin discs that are perfect for making tortillas. However, using a tortilla press can be tricky, and there are several common mistakes that people make when using them.
Not Using the Right Flour
The type of flour you use to make tortillas is important. All-purpose flour and masa harina are the two most common types of flour used for making tortillas. All-purpose flour is made from wheat and is commonly used in the United States, while masa harina is made from ground corn and is more commonly used in Mexico. Both flours work well for making tortillas, but masa harina produces a more authentic, traditional flavor.
When selecting your flour or masa harina, it’s important to choose a high-quality product. Look for flour or masa that is freshly milled and free of additives or preservatives. The fresher the flour, the better the tortillas will taste.
Using Too Much or Too Little Water
The ratio of flour to water is critical when making tortillas. If there is too much water, the dough will be sticky and difficult to work with. If there is too little water, the dough will be dry and crumbly. The best way to ensure the right ratio of flour to water is to add the water gradually and mix the dough thoroughly.
Start by adding half of the water called for in the recipe, and mix the dough until it’s incorporated. Continue to add water as needed until the dough comes together in a smooth, pliable ball. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour.
Not Resting the Dough
Resting the dough is an important step in making tortillas. Allowing the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes before using it makes it easier to work with and ensures that the tortillas will be tender and flavorful. During the resting period, the flour absorbs the water, and the dough becomes smoother and more elastic.
To rest the dough, cover it with a damp cloth and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period can be extended up to two hours if desired.
Not Preheating the Press
Preheating the tortilla press is crucial to ensure that the dough doesn’t stick to the plates. Heating the press also helps to cook the tortillas more quickly and evenly. To preheat the press, place it on a hot griddle or stove burner for a few minutes before using it.
Not Using Parchment or Plastic Wrap
Using parchment or plastic wrap between the dough and the press prevents the dough from sticking to the press. It also makes it easier to remove the flattened tortillas from the press without tearing them. Place a small piece of parchment or plastic wrap on the bottom plate of the press before adding the dough.
Over-Flattening the Dough
Over-flattening the dough is a common mistake when using a tortilla press. Pressing the dough too hard or too many times can cause the tortillas to become thin and brittle, making them difficult to handle. It can also cause the edges of the tortillas to crack or break apart during cooking.
To avoid over-flattening the dough, use a light touch when pressing down on the press. Press the dough firmly, but not too hard, and only press it once or twice. If the dough is still too thick, rotate it 90 degrees and press it again.
Not Adjusting the Thickness
Some tortilla presses have an adjustable thickness setting that allows you to adjust the thickness of the tortillas. If your press has this feature, it’s important to use it to ensure that your tortillas are the right thickness. Adjust the thickness setting to your desired thickness, and check the tortillas after the first few have been flattened to make sure they’re the right thickness.
Using the Wrong Temperature
Using the wrong temperature when cooking tortillas can cause them to cook unevenly or burn. The griddle or comal should be hot enough to cook the tortillas quickly, but not so hot that they burn. To test the temperature of the griddle, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates immediately, the griddle is hot enough.