Titled: Tad-Too-Thick, Odd-Shaped, and Yet Tasty Quinoa Tortillas – or On How I Found Out I Wanted a Tortilla Press

April 13, 2012 | Category: a day in the life, pics, recipes, the littlest moment

Last week, I happened upon this recipe by The Gracious Pantry for gluten-free tortillas. Having a tasty gluten-free tortilla is something Amira & I are always wishing for. We do like the store brand  La Tortilla All Natural Sonoma Gluten-Free Teff Tortillas (wow, that’s a long product name). But something homemade sounded yummy, and the photos that The Gracious Pantry took of them made them look irresistible. I had to try! Not having ever made a tortilla in my life, I crossed myself and dove in.

quinoa tortilla

I started by halving the recipe because I didn’t want to make 18 awful tortillas.

quinoa tortilla

I showed my poor recipe following skills right away – by putting in cold water instead of hot water. I might have put just a squidgen more than I was supposed to as well. The dough was a wee bit sticky. I had to lightly oil my hands to press the tortillas.

quinoa tortilla

The first one looks like, well, I don’t know what! Australia maybe? Maybe I could make these tortillas into geography lessons? Which continent did you get? Ooh, ooh, mine’s Antarctica!!!

quinoa tortilla

Subsequent attempts more tortilla-ish looking…

quinoa tortilla

My able assistant was more than happy to help with the tortilla pressings. She said: “This is easy, Mom – I just pretend I’m playing with Play-Doh!”

quinoa tortilla

Tortilla making jazz-hands!!

quinoa tortilla

They were, like I forewarned you, a tad-too-thick, odd-shaped and yet tasty. Good thing Amira & I had a light lunch because we ate 3 each (update: Amira just grabbed her 4th announcing “I love these!!”). They are tasty right off the heat with butter on top (although she prefers hers plain). They are, of course, definitely quinoa-flavored. You will be disappointed if you are expecting flour tortillas. We are quinoa fans here, so we find ‘em yummy! They are incredibly easy to make! I’m already plotting recipe variations (an herbed version maybe?) and uses (soft tacos, or made crispy for pizza crusts or tostadas?)

Thanks again to The Gracious Pantry for inspiring me to play in the kitchen today.

6 Comments

  1. nadj
    on April 13th, 2012
    1

    Quinoa green Ortega chili enchiladas with lots of cheese….

  2. nadj
    on April 13th, 2012
    2

    you have to make them

  3. Janece
    on April 13th, 2012
    3

    Good idea, Nadj! Yum!

  4. Janece
    on April 13th, 2012
    4

    Now I can’t stop looking at the cast iron tortilla presses out there. But I wonder if I really need one – or if my tortilla pressing skills will improve with time. I think of all those beautiful Mexican women in San Diego hand patting their amazing corn tortillas in Old Town. :)

  5. stefani
    on April 13th, 2012
    5

    Your tortilla pressing skills will improve with time. However that being said, mine still come out kind of squarish looking. lol. Are you using a roller or just your hands? If it helps any, homemade tortillas are usually on the thick side though when compared to store bought. :-)

  6. Janece
    on April 13th, 2012
    6

    Thanks Stefani – I have hope. I’m thinking the squarish and slightly thicker quality might be a sign of character and homemade love. And, even thick and oddly shaped – my half batch is completely gone come end of day. ;)

    I just used my hands. I could try a roller next time.

    Thanks for stopping in, it was nice to hear from you! :) I’m having fun going through your blog. You have some gorgeous photos (and I love your new plant!)

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