Question for tortilla-savvy foodie friends

C

CathyZ

Well-known member
Tomorrow night I have 30 coming for a Mexican feast. I'm making two kinds of enchiladas and need to soften around 80 corn tortillas so I can roll them without them splitting. In the past I have softened tortillas one or two at a time in a shallow pan of oil but since I have so many to do I am wondering if brushing them with oil and softening in the oven is an option- or if there is something I don't know about that you can teach me?

I would love to assemble the enchiladas today but I'm afraid that even with the softening I will end up with spit tortillas. Any wise words?

I'll post the menu with recipes later- a holiday party for friends. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me re: tortillas.

 
Hi Cathy, definitely an option. I got that tip from Cook's Illustrated. They say to

"Place tortillas on two baking sheets. Spray both sides lightly with cooking spray. Bake until tortillas are soft and pliable, about 4 minutes." The recipe says in a 300 degree oven. I've done this, it works. Probably not as tasty as the fried, but much easier. The baking time is so short, you can keep them coming while you're assembling the already softened ones.

Btw, I usually brush them lightly with oil using a silicone brush instead of spraying.

 
IMO - enchiladas are a lot like lasagne - they taste better when made ahead. I'd make and bake

today, then gently re-heat for tomorrow.

 
Thank you both- I will try the oven method, Curious1 and maybe today to bake, LisaLA and Meryl....

c'mon over and eat them here!

 
I'd love to! What kind are you making? I've always dipped the tortillas in the sauce, btw.

I'm not sure how that would work for what you are planning.

I've found the tortillas soften rather quickly.

 
You too, Curious1- c'mon over.

Creamy chicken enchilada and the other type will be a roasted veggie enchilada- also creamy. Making it up as I go.

Dipping in sauce is a great idea too, Lisa- thanks

 
Hope this isn't too late. I soften tortillas in the microwave with a damp paper towel.

(Because tortillas multiply in my fridge like bunnies and I can't use them up fast enough before they dry out.)

Wrap them in a couple of damp paper towels and nuke 'em for about 20 seconds (depending on your microwave--mine is very old and takes longer). Then use as you wish.

 
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