Heating corn tortillas on a wood-burning stove can infuse your tacos, quesadillas, and other dishes with a rustic, smoky flavor. This guide provides clear and concise instructions for both technical and non-technical audiences on how to achieve perfectly heated corn tortillas.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
Wood-Burning Stove: Ensure your stove is clean and in good working order.
Cast Iron Griddle or Skillet: A flat cast iron griddle or skillet works best for even heating.
Wood Fuel: Choose dry, seasoned hardwood like oak or maple for the cleanest and most consistent heat.
Fire-Starting Materials: Paper or fire-starters to ignite the fire.
Tongs: Heat-resistant tongs for handling tortillas.
Corn Tortillas: Use fresh, store-bought or homemade corn tortillas.
Step 1: Preparing the Stove
Open the stove door and ensure it’s properly ventilated. Adjust the stove’s damper or air control to establish the desired airflow.
Place a small amount of wood in the stove’s firebox and ignite it using fire-starters or crumpled paper. Gradually add larger wood pieces as the fire builds.
Allow the fire to burn down to a bed of hot coals. This provides a steady and even heat source for heating your tortillas.
Step 2: Heating the Tortillas
Position the cast iron griddle or skillet on the stove’s cooking surface. Adjust its placement to control the heat. The closer it is to the coals, the hotter it will be.
Place a tortilla on the heated surface using tongs. Allow it to warm for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. You may notice it beginning to puff slightly.
Flip the tortilla with tongs and heat the other side for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. You’re looking for a slight browning and a pliable texture.
Remove the tortilla from the stove and serve immediately.
Step 3: Safety and Cleanup
Always wear heat-resistant gloves when handling the cookware or adjusting its position on the stove.
After you’ve finished, allow the fire to burn out safely. Close the stove’s door to contain ashes and heat.
After the stove has cooled, remove and clean the cast iron griddle or skillet. Properly dispose of any ash or debris.
Conclusion
Heating corn tortillas on a wood-burning stove is a simple way to enhance the flavor of your favorite Mexican dishes. By following these straightforward steps, you can achieve perfectly heated tortillas with a hint of smokiness. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a rustic touch to your culinary creations.