Tortilla press facts for kids
A tortilla press is a helpful kitchen tool. It has two flat, round plates, usually about 8 inches wide. You use it to flatten balls of corn dough into perfect round corn tortillas or flour tortillas. People often press the tortillas between sheets of plastic or corn leaves. These presses are usually made from strong materials like cast iron, cast aluminum, or wood.
How to Use and Care for Your Tortilla Press
Traditional tortilla presses need a little help to stop the dough from sticking. You place plastic wrap, wax paper, or butter paper both under and over the dough. This keeps the dough from touching the press directly.
Many newer tortilla presses are different! They have a special non-stick surface. This means you don't need extra paper. However, these presses often need "seasoning." This means you apply oil to the surface after using it. For wood presses, use mineral oil, as vegetable oil can go bad. Seasoning helps keep the surface nice and ready for next time.
Traditional tortilla presses usually don't need cleaning because the dough never touches them. But modern presses might need a wash. Some have parts you can put in a dishwasher. Others need to be washed by hand.
The amount of strength you need to press a tortilla depends on the press. It also depends on how thin you want your tortilla. Lighter presses, like those made of aluminum, might need more force. But it's always much easier than rolling tortillas out with a rolling pin!
Simple Steps to Using a Tortilla Press
- First, make your dough. This is traditionally called masa. You can use ground corn or corn flour.
- Cut two square pieces of wax paper. Place one piece on the bottom plate of the press.
- Put a ball of dough on the wax paper. Then, place the second piece of wax paper on top of the dough.
- Carefully bring the top plate of the press down onto the dough. Make sure the wax paper stays in place.
- Press the handle down firmly. Keep pressing until the dough is flat and as thin as you like. You might need to open the press and turn the dough to get a perfectly round shape.
Remember, if you have a modern press with a non-stick surface, you might not need to use wax paper!
See also
In Spanish: Prensa para tortilla para niños
