Homemade Tortilla help---QUICK!

15 years ago

I am trying my hand at making my own corn tortillas for dinner tonight and so far I am not having much luck. I have the dough mixed up and am using a tortilla press.

The tortillas look beautiful between the two layers of plastic, and the first piece of plastic peels off like a charm. When I go to peel off the second piece o plastic is when the darn thing falls apart. I haven't been able to get a single tortilla on the griddle yet!

(Ann, I tried calling you for advice but I must have an old phone number)

Can anyone tell me what am I doing wrong? I am pressing them fairly thin, should they bee thicker, maybe?

Thanks in advance!

Linda

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Comments (8)

User
15 years ago
Linda, I'm trying to phone you.

Line is busy.

Ann
User
15 years ago
I hope you aren't using just a piece of plastic wrap. You need something firmer. I use ziplock freezer bags.

Did you see my pictorial on making Corn tortillas?

Ann
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doucanoe
Original Author
15 years ago
Sorry, Ann. A long-winded friend called and is still on the phone with me.

I am using a zip lock freezer bag that I split into two "sheets".

Maybe I need more water in my dough? I have now gotten a couple to stay together, but they don't seem to brown well on the second side because they kind of "curl".

I'll be off the phone soon.

Linda
jimster
15 years ago
Linda,

Ann is your best source of help but I will offer just a couple of tips.

Consistency of the dough is crucial. It should be soft and moist. How soft and moist? One indicator is the edge of the uncooked tortilla. If the edge is irregular and has little cracks, the dough is too dry. It should be smooth. Add water.

Bake in three stages. Partially bake the first side. Flip and bake the second side. Flip again and finish baking the first side, pressing and poking the tortilla against the griddle to heat and scorch it a little. When done skillfully the tortilla will be inflated with steam at this point. The finished tortilla should have little scorched spots on it.

Good luck.

Jim
doucanoe
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks, Jim! Your advice is exactly what Ann told me when she called.

My tortillas are done, I will admit they are not perfect nor are they the prettiest in the world, but they do taste good! I have been munching on the "rejects", and hope I still have room for dinner! LOL

Ann, thanks so much for the call and the good advice. I knew you would have the answers I was seeking!

I plan to practice tortillas until I get them to perfection! The taste is by far better than any store-bought I have ever had!

Thanks again. I'll try to post a picture on WFD.

Linda
jimster
15 years ago
"I plan to practice tortillas until I get them to perfection! The taste is by far better than any store-bought I have ever had!"

It takes a knack. The knack is not difficult. You probably have it learned pretty well by now. It's good to have two griddles and get a rhythm going for efficiency's sake.

How about that aroma of corn tortillas baking! There is no similarity between store bought and homemade tortillas.

Jim
fearlessem
15 years ago
Linda --

I've tried making corn tortillas three times with my press, and have had the exact problem you've described every time, despite using the freezer bag that is recommended. No matter how I vary the wetness, the mixing, etc. Every time I've gone back to rolling them out with a rolling pin between two sheets of plastic wrap, at which point the problem disappears. So frustrating! Do post back if you figure out some magic secret to it...

Emily
User
15 years ago
Emily, what kind of press do you have? The best is a cast Iron press. The more common aluminum are too light weight and do not press well.

Ann

Homemade Tortilla help---QUICK!

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