Discovery Foods are closing their corn factory in Daventry. This means that they will no longer be producing gluten free corn tortillas and gluten free mexican recipe kits.
This may seem minor – though not to the people working in the factory, of course! – but my coeliac daughter really enjoyed eating mexican with her friends, without seeming ‘different’. Yes, the tortillas were small, and liable to stiffen up, but it was fun.
So, I’m going to need to make them by hand. Anyone know a foolproof recipe for gluten free tortillas, ideally without needing any special equipment?
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This is really bad news! I’ve used their products extensively!
I’m going to have to totally rethink my Mexican Food strategy now!
:(
I know you said you didn’t want special equipment, but I was able to pick up a really inexpensive tortilla press (under $10, not sure how that converts), and it makes tortillas so easy to make- cover it in plastic wrap, plop a bit of dough inside, press and you have a tortilla. Previously I would roll them out by hand inside a thick plastic bag (freezer quality), and it was a lot more work. I haven’t found the perfect recipe yet, but I will let you know if I do!
-sea
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Thanks Sea – under $10 is inexpensive – I thought they’d be much more than that. I’ll have to do some research. And yes, please let us know if/when you find a good recipe – perhaps that will help me and Diane.
There is a recipe here, though I can’t vouch for how good it is.
http://www.recipes4us.co.uk/Accompaniments/Corn%20Tortillas%20%20%20%20Veg%20%20HT%20%20ACC%20%2065mins.htm
Reg, thank you – that definitely looks worth checking out. I’ll report back!
Devistated to hear about Discovery stopping corn tortillas – but if you would like to make your own – then “www.coolchili.co.uk” sells online.
Masa Harina (is the corn flour to use) – £2.30 for 500g this is also sold by sainsburys,
Tortilla press £19 with a 185mm diameter to make 150m tortillas.
Simple as mix the masa with luke warm water till it collects into a ball (like pastry) if too wet it will still stick to the bowl (add more flour) – if too dry it will crumble and make dry tortillas (add more water). Kneed the hell out of it until it feels very light and fluffy – it should be very pliable now. Take off gobstopper sized (~1″ diameter) pieces and hand roll into ball – before placing into the press.
I find it better to cut up a plastic bag into a rough press sized circle(tesco/sainsburys) wash it and place it either side of the masa dough ball. When it is pressed flat you can then peel the plastic off one face (ensure you place it down smoothy else the creases will be in the tortillas) and gently remove off other face. Don’t flatten too much as too thin and will not cook properly – about 4-5mm thick, gentle press once side – open press turn circle around and press other side.
To cook place directly onto a hot flat plate – a thick based frying pan or flat oven tray ontop of hob(thick base) which is so hot that when you flick water at it – the water forms a ball straight away and rolls off to the side. Look for trays that can fit to your stove – as if they uneven heat up they warp and tortilla sticks
Gently place the tortilla onto the plate and leave till you can start to lift it back off again – if you leave it too long the top will start to dry – too short and it will still stick to the plate. (The first one usually always sticks too much – or over cooks – Don’t worry)
Once it is free moving turn it over to cook the other side – this side needs to be more cooked that the previous – starting to change in colour as the raised areas brown.
Now turn back over to original side to finish off cooking – if you have mastered it the tortilla will puff up like a little corn balloon (Don’t worry if it does not it will still be tasty – just next time knead the dough more, or check the amount of water as it needs to be elastic dough:)) leave until browned and then remove. Eat straight away or place into a container lined with a tea-towel : this will keep the warmth in till you are finished and you can sit down to eat.
If left to go cold – you are just reheating on the hot plate next time – as they are already cooked. Turn backwards and forth as it warms up. Keep inside a sealed plastic bag in the fridge and they will not dry out but stay moist :)
Have fun :)
Wow Yolanda, what a fantastic comment – thank you for being so detailed, and for the link to http://www.coolchili.co.uk.
If I may, I’ll put these instructions into a post of their own, as I’m sure they’d be useful for other people.
Hello everyone.I just found out that i have celiac disease. I am very new at all of this. I love mexican food and i found smart wraps gluten free (Latortilla Factory) at meijer’s. However, i have not tried them. If anyone has any info. to help me, regarding groceries,restaurants,etc please share.
Thanks,Mickey