Can I use a tortilla press for chapatis?
Tortilla presses are a great tool for making tortillas.
They make it easy to flatten out the dough for tortillas…
….and can be used to press them into shape.
Megan wants to know if she can use her tortilla press to make chapati.
My sister had just moved out and she was so adventurous when it came to cooking.
She has all sorts of tools that she left when she moved.
Then, my boyfriend has been eating chapati a lot these past few days.
I wanted to make one for him.
So, he doesn’t have to buy one every time he wants one.
I looked around and found my sister’s tortilla press.
If I can use it, it’ll make my job easier!
Do you know that tortilla press can be used for another thing?
Read this article until end to know more about can I use a tortilla press for chapatis.
In this blog, we also have an article about best tortilla presses that…
…you might want to read about it.
A tortilla press is an affordable and worthwhile investment that streamlines making homemade tortillas.”
Mackenzie Ryan, foodabovegold.com
What is a tortilla press

A tortilla press is a type of food mill that presses the cooked…
…tortilla dough into small, uniform pieces.
This is a popular choice for those who like to make homemade tortillas,..
…but don’t have access to a tortilla press.
Tortilla presses are available in several sizes and materials,..
…including stainless steel and cast iron.
Stainless steel tortilla presses are usually more expensive than…
…cast iron models, but they’re also more durable and tend to…
…hold up better over time.
Depending on what you want from your tortillas, the pressing…
…process may be done with or without heat.
Many people prefer using a heated tortilla press because it gives…
…them a softer texture when making their tortillas; others say…
…they like the chewier result that comes from cooking their tortillas directly in an oven.
Types of Tortilla Press

There are two types of presses available.
The first is a manual hand crank, and the second is an electric motor.
Most electric tortilla presses also cook and flatten the tortilla dough.
While this saves a step (and potentially keeps your house from becoming smoky),..
…they are much bulkier to store.
Alternatively, a manual tortilla press can be used.
They are simple to use, store, and require little maintenance.
Typically, you can choose between wooden and cast iron.
Many people prefer the wooden tortilla press because it does not…
…require seasoning like a cast iron tortilla press.
However, if you use a protective layer when making your tortillas,..
…the amount of care required is nearly identical.
I have a cast iron tortilla press that I use.
While I’m making the tortillas, some moisture gets onto the…
…press (you can see it in the photos).
After using it, I wipe it down with a dry towel and lightly season…
…it with a neutral cooking oil before storing it.
I have yet to come across a speck of rust.
It’s worth noting that manual presses are almost always around eight inches in size.
This makes perfect homemade corn tortillas, but it’s not ideal for making burritos.
Can I Use A Tortilla Press For Chapatis

So can I use a tortilla press for chapatis?
Yes you can! Tortilla presses are a fast and easy technique to create rotis,..
…puris, chapatis, and tortillas.
A tortilla press is a traditional device with a pair of flat round surfaces of about 8-inch plus to crush balls of corn dough in order to obtain round corn tortillas or flour tortillas.”
Wikipedia.org
How To Use A Tortilla Press For Chapatis?
The tortilla press is a device used to flatten and press tortillas.
The tortilla press flattens the tortillas into a thin, uniform layer…
…and can be used to make the tortillas for different dishes.
It can also be used to make rolled tacos, fajitas, and burritos.
Here is the way how to use a tortilla press for chapatis:
Step 1: Prepare your ingredients
You will need the following items before beginning this recipe:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (you can also substitute whole wheat flour)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
In a bowl combine the dry ingredients together.
Add the oil and mix until there are no lumps left.
You should get about 2½ cups of dough at this point.
If not enough oil was added, add more.
Step 2: Heat the tortilla press
Heat the tortilla press according to manufacturer’s instructions.
While heating up, grease the surface where the dough will rest.
After 5 minutes of heating, remove the lid and place the dough inside.
Step 3: Press the dough
Press the dough by slowly moving the handle down toward the…
…base of the pan while pushing back against the bottom of the press.
Gently rotate the handle so that the entire surface of the dough is pressed evenly.
When the dough has been completely flattened,..
…remove the handle and let it cool off for a few minutes.
Step 4: Cook your chapatti
Cook each side of the chapatti in a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat…
…for about 30 seconds per side. Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
Extra Tip
To prevent the dough from sticking to your tortilla press, make a protective layer.
This can be accomplished by using parchment or waxed paper.
Cut a piece large enough to be folded in half on the opened press…
…to get the right size protective layer.
This is much easier to manage than two pieces that may move while you work.
Place a golf ball-sized piece of dough in the center of the press…
…once your protective layer is in place.
Make an indentation in the center of the dough with your thumb.
This helps to push the dough out and keep the center from being…
…thicker than the edges.
Fold the lever over to flatten the tortilla and place the top of the press down.
After pressing the tortilla, unfold one side of the protective layer…
…and turn the tortilla into your hand. Continue to cook as desired.
Consideration Before Buying Tortilla Press

There are many tortilla presses available in the market,..
…but only a few are good enough to meet the expectations of the consumers.
Before buying any tortilla press, you need to consider a few factors.
Consideration before buying tortilla press:
- Tortilla Press Size – You must choose a size based on how much space you have in your kitchen. If you do not have ample kitchen cabinet space, you might find it difficult to store the tortilla press after use. Most tortilla presses come with a carrying case, which makes storage easier. However, if you plan to use the machine frequently, you might want to invest in a larger model.
- Tortilla Press Material – You need to buy a quality product made out of sturdy material such as cast iron, enamel coated steel, aluminum, etc. Do not opt for products made out of plastic and wood because these materials deteriorate rapidly and pose safety hazards.
- Tortilla Making Method – You must decide whether you need a manual or an automatic tortilla maker. Manual tortilla makers require less time to cook than the automatic ones. But they are more expensive. In general, people who prefer making their own food tend to go for manual tortilla makers. Automatic tortilla makers are suitable for those who don’t have the time to make the dough. They offer extra features such as preheating, pre-programmed settings, adjustable temperature control, timer, etc.
- Teflon coating – Most manufacturers provide a nonstick coating for the pressing plates of the machine. However, some models can be bought without one.
Frequently Asked Questions Around Tortilla Press for Chapati
Can you use a tortilla press for chapatis?
While a tortilla press is not necessary to make chapatis,..
…it can help to speed up the process and eliminate some of the flour dusting.
To use a tortilla press, place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in the bottom..
…of the press and season with salt and pepper.
Cover with a damp kitchen towel or cloth microwaved for…
…about 20 seconds until warm.
Then, using your hands, begin pressing out circles of dough…
…that are about 6 inches in diameter.
Repeat this process until all your flour has been used up.
Once you have created chapatis from scratch or sped up their…
…preparation time by using a tortilla press, be sure to cook them…
…on a dry griddle or skillet over medium heat for about 8 minutes…
…per side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Can you make roti in a tortilla maker?
There are many ways to make roti, but in a tortilla maker it is possible…
…to simply place the dough on the machine and press down.
This will create thin circles that can then be fried or baked.
What is the difference between chapati and tortilla?
Chapati is a flatbread that is made from wheat flour, water, and salt.
On the other hand, tortilla is a round bread often made out of corn or flour.
Chapatis can be unleavened or leavened (risen), while tortillas are usually only leavened.
How do you keep dough from sticking to tortilla press?
One of the common problems with tortilla presses is dough sticking to the plates.
There are a few things that you can do to prevent this from happening.
For starters, make sure that your tortilla press is properly cleaned…
…and oiled before each use.
This will help in preventing dough from sticking and…
…making it difficult to form into desired shapes.
You can also try using different types of flour when shaping…
…your tortillas and adding wet ingredients such as eggs or water…
…before pressing them out onto the plate.
These ingredients help reduce air bubbles while still leaving…
…a thin tortilla layer that doesn’t stick together.
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