Tortillas

[Disir]

I bought a tortilla press and attempted to use it. Failed. I used sandwich bags to cover the plates. Any tips?

 

[iamwhatiseem]

Elaborate.
Were they hard? Constant moisture is the "secret". After cooking lay them on a warm plate with wet paper towels on them.
I have made tortillas... but gave that up years ago. Takes too long and the difference is not worth it when you buy decent ones from the store.

 

[Disir]

I should have explained the issue better. The tortillas stuck to the plastic and I couldn't get them off.

 

[Otis Mayfield]

Too much water or not enough oil/fat.

 

[iamwhatiseem]

My first wife was Mexican so I have had homemade tortillas many-many times. My Ex never got it right, and not from a lack of trying.
It really is a work of art. Mexican girls use to grow up learning how to make tortillas/enchiladas/tamales. They can make them in their sleep.

 

[Baron Von Murderpaws]

You might try and "dust" your press plates with flour before pressing each tortilla.

Another version is to press the dough between parchment paper or wax paper pieces.

I worked a tortilla press machine at a fast food place I worked, a long time ago.
For the particular press they had though, you had to wipe the press plates down with a dry cloth between each tortilla.

 

[TroglocratsRdumb]

tortillas are too cheap to buy to try and make them yourself

 

[miketx]

tortillas are too cheap to buy to try and make them yourself

That's why I stopped making pie crusts.

 

[TroglocratsRdumb]

That's why I stopped making pie crusts.

yep, it's too much work and it costs more

 

[hjmick]

tortillas are too cheap to buy to try and make them yourself

True enough about the cost to buy them, but there are few things better than a tortilla made and eaten fresh...

 

[Disir]

Well, I am going to give it another shot and then move on to flour tortillas. I was hoping to have it down by Christmas Eve. I can just buy them if it fails.
I am doing tamales this year too. We'll see how that goes. I have too many corn husks to fail.

 

[iamwhatiseem]

True enough about the cost to buy them, but there are few things better than a tortilla made and eaten fresh...

No doubt. Gooood... most people in America have never had, or will ever have actual Mexican food.
Something as simple as meat/cheese tamales, when made right... heaven. Tamales at a "Mexican" restaurant... bleh.
Pork Shoulder carnitas... OMG... pork carnitas at a restaurant salt bomb.
Main gripe about American cuisine... take something amazing... add a lb. of salt and sugar using shitty quality product... and think it is good.

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

I bought a tortilla press and attempted to use it. Failed. I used sandwich bags to cover the plates. Any tips?

I should have some tips ......
The Wife wanted one so I bought Her one a good two years ago and she's yet to use it.
This Woman always has good mexican recipes.

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

They sell homemade tortillas at HEB here in Texas.
They make em right in front of you and they're still hot when you get em.
Pretty sure thats why the Wife hasnt used Her press.

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

The Wife said you had to much moisture in the dough.
Not that she's an expert.

 

[Disir]

I should have some tips ......
The Wife wanted one so I bought Her one a good two years ago and she's yet to use it.
This Woman always has good mexican recipes.

Thank you!