How to Make Perfectly Round Tortillas with a Press

Making perfectly round tortillas can be a challenge, even with a tortilla press. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve consistent results every time.

Choose the Right Press

The first step in making perfectly round tortillas is to choose the right press. There are many different types of presses available on the market, as we discussed in the previous section. However, for making round tortillas, we recommend using a press with a flat surface, rather than a textured surface. This will give you smoother, more even tortillas.

Use the Right Dough

Another important factor in making perfectly round tortillas is using the right dough. You want a dough that is soft, pliable, and easy to work with. If your dough is too dry or too wet, you may have difficulty getting it to form into a round shape. Aim for a dough that is slightly sticky but not too wet, and that holds together well when pressed.

Portion the Dough

Once you have your dough ready, the next step is to portion it into balls. To make perfectly round tortillas, you want each ball to be roughly the same size. A good rule of thumb is to use about 2 ounces of dough per tortilla. You can use a kitchen scale to weigh each ball if you want to be precise.

Flatten the Dough

To flatten the dough, place one ball in the center of your press. If your press has a non-stick surface, you may not need to use any parchment or plastic wrap. However, if your press is made of wood or cast iron, you may want to place a piece of parchment or plastic wrap on both sides of the dough to prevent it from sticking.

Press the Dough

Once the dough is in the press, gently press down to flatten it. Don't press too hard, or you may end up with a tortilla that is too thin or too large. Aim for a tortilla that is about 1/8 inch thick and 6 inches in diameter.

Trim the Edges

After pressing the dough, you may notice that the edges are uneven or ragged. To make a perfectly round tortilla, you'll want to trim the edges with a sharp knife or cutter. This will give you a clean, even circle.

Flip and Press Again

After trimming the edges, flip the tortilla over and press it again. This will help to even out any uneven spots and give you a perfectly round tortilla. Be careful not to press too hard, or you may end up with a tortilla that is too thin.

Cook the Tortilla

Once you have a perfectly round tortilla, it's time to cook it. Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, place the tortilla in the pan and cook for about 30 seconds on each side, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining dough balls until you have a stack of perfectly round tortillas.

Tips for Making Perfectly Round Tortillas with a Press

• Use a press with a flat surface, rather than a textured surface, for smoother, more even tortillas.
• Use a dough that is soft, pliable, and easy to work with.
• Portion the dough into balls that are roughly the same size.
• Flatten the dough gently, without pressing too hard.
• Trim the edges with a sharp knife or cutter to create a clean, even circle.
• Flip the tortilla over and press again to even out any uneven spots.
• Cook the tortilla in a hot, dry skillet or griddle until lightly browned and cooked through.

By following these tips and techniques, you can make perfectly round tortillas with a press every time. With a little practice, you'll be able to make beautiful, delicious tortillas that are sure to impress.

Additional Tips:

Let the Dough Rest

Before portioning and flattening the dough, let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with and reducing the chances of the tortillas shrinking or becoming misshapen.

Use a Tortilla Bag

After cooking the tortillas, keep them warm and moist by placing them in a tortilla bag or wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel. This will help prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.

Practice Makes Perfect

Making perfectly round tortillas takes practice, so don't get discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect. Keep trying, and soon you'll be able to make beautiful, round tortillas every time.

Adjust the Pressure

Depending on the type of press you're using, you may need to adjust the pressure to achieve the desired thickness and size.