What is a tortilla comal? A comal is a flat griddle traditionally crafted from clay, but now usually made of cast iron, steel, aluminum, and other materials. It is mostly used in South and Central America and in Mexico to make tortillas.
Is a griddle the same as a comal?
There are many types and variations on the common griddle. In Mexico and some Central American countries, they use what is called a Comal. In other Latin American countries, they use a style of griddle known as a Budare; which in some remote tribes is called a Blandona.
How do you use a Mexican comal?
As MasterClass suggests, to cook meat with a comal, you first heat the pan to medium-high heat, add some oil, and finally, place the meat in the center of the pan. When you want to pick up a comal, many Latin American food stores keep them stocked (via The Spruce Eats).
Is a comal cast iron?
A comal is a round, flat griddle with a smooth cooking surface and shallow edge that’s traditionally made from clay, though you can also find them made from heavy cast iron, carbon steel, or non-stick materials. A comal is used to char or toast spices and chiles, cook tortillas, sear meat, heat quesadillas, and more.
What is a comal good for?
What Is A Comal Used For? A comal is a multipurpose cast iron pan that is traditionally used for cooking tortillas, charring vegetables and meat, toasting nuts and spices. You will find this cookware staple in kitchens across Mexico, Central and South America.
Is a comal the same as a cast iron skillet?
A comal is a pan of sorts that is used for cooking a variety of items. It is made of cast iron and is very heavy. When you cook with it, you don’t move it at all, as you might with a wok or a regular light-weight pan.
Can you use a cast iron skillet instead of a comal?
Comals come in several sizes, from small enough to fit over a single burner on the stove to large enough to cook several tortillas at once. As long as they’re made of cast iron or terra cotta, they can be used on a gas or electric stove top, in the oven, over a grill, or even even directly over hot coals.
How do you break in a comal?
Heat your Comal over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes on your stovetop (your grill would also work). This ensures Comal is heated thoroughly and helps open up the pores as well as helps to dry Comal completely after washing.
Can you make eggs on a comal?
The IMUSA Comal is perfect for warming tortillas, making crepes, toasting sandwiches, cooking quesadillas, and all your favorite breakfast foods such as pancakes and eggs. The non-stick surface allows you to use less oil and makes clean-up a breeze!
Do you have to season a comal?
In order to prepare your comal for cooking, you must “season” it first. The first step of seasoning is to coat it with oil or lard. Apply a generous coat onto the surface (even the handle and bottom) with your fingers and rub it in with a towel.
How hot should comal be for tortillas?
You want the surface of the comal to be about 500°F, and never less than 400°F. If it’s too hot, however, you will burn the tortilla before it’s ready. Set your stove’s timer to something more than you need, like 40 minutes.
How do you remove rust from Comals?
Mix basic white vinegar with water in equal parts and submerge your pan in it. Use a bucket or plug the sink for really big pans; the entire skillet should be covered with the vinegar mixture. You can soak it for up to eight hours, but Whitehead suggests checking it early and often. It might be done in just one.
How do you cure Mexican clay comal?
To season it, put the comal over low heat and slowly bring it up to temperature. Prepare a watery mixture of dry lime (cal) and water and spread a thin layer of the mixture over the entire surface of the comal using a dry towel or brush. Heat it until the lime mixture dries and hardens.
