How to Use a Comal in Mexican Cooking (Know EVERYTHING!)
Have you ever tried cooking a Mexican meal?
Well, the typical Mexican kitchen is made up of an array of cast iron comals. They are used for everything from frying tortillas to making carnitas and roasting vegetables.
The thing about these comals is that they can be tricky to use when it comes time for dinner at home. But fear not: I’m going to share my secrets with you so you can cook like a pro at home too!
What is a comal?
The comal is a flat, open griddle used for cooking. It can be either cast iron or clay, and in the US it is hard to get traditional clay ones because of breakage. However, they are still available in Mexico and on Amazon. The comal is a versatile device that can be used over a stovetop burner, on a grill, or over an open flame. They are made from stone and metal and date back to the Aztec era. Another name for this skillet-like device is “comalli.”
Cast-iron comals are pans with long handles that are used for cooking. Cast iron can be heated over an open flame or in the oven to cook food like tacos.
A comal is also a device for cooking corn on the cob. The word “comal” is Spanish for skillet or frying pan, referring to its rectangular shape and low sides.
What do you use a comal pan for?
A comal can be used to cook tortillas and other Mexican dishes. It has similar characteristics to a cast iron skillet, but it is smaller and thinner. It was traditionally used by Central American cooks to heat up tortillas, salsas, quesadillas, and meat. The comal can also be used to toast spices and nuts.
Street vendors have served up food with this pan for generations. A comal is the perfect way to cook meat with great flavor. Even experts suggest that cooking meat in a comal can produce fantastic results.
How to use a comal
Most cultures have their own unique cooking tools that help to create the delicious and unique foods that are part of their heritage. Mexican cooking is no different. The Comal is a flat, round, cast iron griddle-like pan that can be used to reheat foods and cook foods. It can be used to cook tortillas, vegetables for sauces and dishes, and more. Learning how to use the Comal is simple. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Season your Comal. You can do this by washing the Comal with warm, soapy water. Then, add a thin layer of oil to the surface and heat it up. Allow it to cool fully.
- If your Comal is well seasoned, cooking on it should be very easy. Start by warming up your Comal. You can do this on a stove or over a fire. If your pan is seasoned you should not have to add any cooking oil.
- For cooking tortillas, it should only take about 45 seconds to cook the masa dough enough to flip it. You then need to cook the tortilla on both sides for about 45 seconds. For other foods, you can cook them on the surface of the Comal until they are done, then transfer them to another pan for serving.
How do you take care of a comal?
Caring for a Comal is just like caring for your other cast iron cookware. You should avoid putting it in the dishwasher as this can rust the pan and it can also damage the seasoning you have on the pan. After you have seasoned your pan, wash with warm soapy water to remove any stuck on food. Make sure you dry it fully before you put more oil on. After it has been dried fully, put a thin layer of oil on to protect it, and then store in a dry area.
Do comals need to be seasoned?
You can season a cast iron Comal just like you do other cast iron pans. The steps to season are simple. First, wash the pan with warm soapy water to remove any food debris that might be on the surface of the pan. Dry it fully. Use a paper towel to rub a thin layer of oil over the entire surface of the pan, top, bottom and sides. Place the Comal in the oven upside down with a pan under it to catch any excess grease and heat for one hour on 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the pan to cool fully and wipe down any excess oil. Store in a dry place.
What can you make with a comal?
The most common use for a comal is to make tortillas. However, they can also be used to make pancakes, eggs, quesadillas, and more!
It can also be used to make a variety of dishes, including tortillas, pancakes, and eggs.
When to use a comal
You can use a Comal for nearly any type of cooking. It can be used to cook tortillas, to cook peppers, to cook meats. Basically, any time that the food you are cooking can be cooked on a flat surface, a Comal is a great choice.
What are Comals made of?
Cast iron and steel are the two most popular materials for comals. However, there are other materials that may be used as well, such as clay, aluminum, or copper.
Can you put a comal in the oven?
Yes, a comal can go in the oven. In fact, it’s a great way to season it! Just make sure that the comal is clean and dry before you start. Also, make sure that the oven is preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before you place your comal inside. Finally, if your comal becomes rusty and you’ve already started the seasoning process, don’t worry. You can always clean and scrub it before trying again.
Can you use a comal on a grill?
You can use a Comal on the grill. You just have to be sure you are using a grill that can support the weight of the pan as they are quite heavy. You should also be sure you are using a grill that is going to heat evenly so that the pan is a consistent temperature all the way across.
The origins of Mexican comal
The word “Comal” is derived from the Aztec name, which means to roast or char ingredients on top of them. One type of Mexican cactus, the Comal, uses steam to cook. The Mexican Clay Comal is a clay pot that has been in use since the pre-Columbian era. The cookware was first used by the Aztecs and later by other indigenous groups throughout Mexico.
Using the Carbon Steel comal
When it comes to cooking, the carbon steel comal is a great option for those who want to roast vegetables and chilies. It can also be used for cooking meat because of its ability to get very hot. In order to use it, you must season it first by heating it on high for 30 minutes while coating it with oil. This will help protect the metal from rusting and give your food a better flavor.
After each use, the comal must be cleaned and dried by heating. Make sure you never leave it to air dry, as this could cause rust. Instead, coat it with a thin film of oil to prevent any damage.
Is a comal a cast-iron skillet?
A comal is basically a cast-iron skillet. It is not necessary to use a non-stick pan for tortillas as long as it’s a cast iron skillet that you’ve seasoned yourself. Comals come in various shapes and sizes. However, most skillet comals are cast iron skillets with a round shape, making them perfect for cooking quesadillas and salsas. It is an integral part of Mexican cuisine and culture.
How hot should comal be for tortillas?
Since tortillas have to cook relatively quickly, you should heat your Comal up to about 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This is going to allow the Comal to get hot enough to cook the tortillas through and hot enough that they are not going to stick. To cook a tortilla on a Comal you should take no more than about one minute per tortilla.
Can you put oil on a comal?
You can put oil on a Comal while cooking, but if it has been well seasoned, you should not need to put any oil on it while cooking. Also, since you are likely using your Comal at a very high heat, you should be able to cook with it without fear of ay food sticking to it. If you are cooking and you feel that you need to add oil, go for oil that has a very high heat tolerance. Try to use something like peanut oil, canola oil, or other oils that are not going to burn when you use your Comal at very high heats.
Are comals non-stick?
A Comal is not non-stick without a little bit of work on your part. They are not going to come in a non-stick version if you want a traditional Comal. They are often made of cast iron, which can be seasoned to be non-stick. You can also get stainless steel Comal pans, but these are, again, not traditional. If you have a Comal and you want to make it non-stick, your best bet is to take the time to season it and to ensure that it is well kept re-seasoned as needed.
Where to get a comal
If you’re looking to buy a comal, you have a few different options. You can order one online like on Amazon, or you can find them in Latin American markets. However, it’s important to note that not all Latin American markets will carry them, so you may need to call ahead before making the trip.
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