Sometimes a device is so beloved and iconic that you think there’s really only one model but thankfully the Masienda Tortilla Press is different. The Bialetti Express stovetop espresso maker comes to mind. So does The Bodum French press coffee maker. Some might think a tortilla press has that ubiquity. It’s just two plates of hinged aluminum or cast iron with a long handle that causes them to squeeze together. There are a couple of variations out there—but why bother? All it’s doing is pressing tortillas. Well, here’s why: Enter Masienda.
The Masienda Tortilla Press for All Occasions
The Masienda Tortilla Press is not just a pretty face. It comes from a brand with a deep appreciation for the craft of tortilla-making. The company’s name is a combination of the word masa (corn) and tienda (store) and it strives for quality in independent masa production. Founder Jorge Gaviria delves into all of this in MASA: Techniques, Recipes, and Reflections on a Timeless Staple, where you can learn more about his masa journey.
Masienda comes with endorsements from the editors at Epicurious, Saveur, Serious Eats, and America’s Test Kitchen. It’s as sturdy as can be because its exterior is hot rolled steel. It also features larger, square plates, meaning you can make tortillas of various sizes with ease.
The finish comes in five colors: azul, espuma, epizote, bianco, and humo. The product is artisan-made in Mexico, and then the finish is applied in the U.S. You can even buy masa harina and press liners from them—plus molcajetes, salsas, and more.
In addition to the press, the website has great recipes, including Crispy Sopes, The Perfect Tomatillo Aguacate Salsa Verde, and ArnieTex’s Tender Beef Barbacoa. And why not try some of TABLE’s Smoked Mushroom Vegetarian Tacos with the twist of homemade tortillas this time.
Story by Stephen Treffinger / Photo courtesy of Masienda
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