The tortilla is an essential ingredient of Mexican cuisine and is used in a wide variety of dishes such as tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas, while also serving as a daily accompaniment to many meals. It can be said that its importance is comparable to that of the baguette in France. There are various methods, traditions and ways of using it that maximize its quality and taste. To fully appreciate its flavor, we recommend a few simple methods for heating your tortillas: in the pan, in the microwave, in the oven, on an electric cooking plate or even in the steam oven.
Heat up tortillas in a pan
Lightly brush the tortillas with water or use a brush to moisten them and prevent them from drying out or burning. Heat the pan over medium heat and make sure it is non-stick. Place one tortilla at a time and cook for 30 seconds on each side, turning it over with tongs or a spatula to prevent burning. Repeat the process until all the tortillas are heated.
Heat up tortillas in the microwave
Stack up to 5 tortillas and wrap them in a slightly damp cloth. Place them in a microwave-safe container and heat them on high power for 30 seconds. If necessary, turn them over and heat them again for another 30 seconds until they are piping hot.
Heat up tortillas in the oven
Preheat the oven to 190 ºC (375 ºF). Dampen the tortillas slightly on both sides. Group them in batches of 5 to 8 tortillas and wrap them in aluminum foil. Place them in the oven and heat them for 10 to 15 minutes.
Heat tortillas on an electric stovetop
Preheat the plate over high heat. Dampen the tortillas with a little water and place them directly on the plate. Heat each side for 5 to 10 seconds until the tortilla begins to slightly swell or shows signs of heat. Use tongs to turn them over and avoid burning yourself.
Heat up some steamed tortillas
Fill a steamer with about 1.3 cm (½ inch) of water or to the minimum line if it is electric. Stack up to 12 tortillas wrapped in a thick cloth and place them in the steamer. Heat them on high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove the steamer from the heat or turn it off if it is electric as soon as the steam starts to escape. Let the tortillas rest for 15 minutes.
Keeping the tortillas warm
To keep the tortillas warm longer, wrap them in aluminum foil and a cloth. If you have heated them individually, stack them in groups of 8 tortillas. Another option is to use a «tortillero,» a container with a plastic, ceramic, or clay lid that retains heat better than other methods. Some models can be used directly in the microwave or oven, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. There are also cloth tortilla warmers that absorb moisture and keep the tortillas warm and soft for more than an hour without humidifying them.
Important advice:
- Dry heat is essential
- Do not use oil for soft tortillas
- Keep them warm by wrapping them in a towel
- The tortillas should be soft and flexible at the end
At **Los Cuates**, we ensure strict quality controls and respect Mexican traditions to produce the best Mexican tortillas in France. We hope this article has helped you enjoy your tortillas. Bon appétit!
