Tortilla press trial, and Chicken Fajita recipe

After purchasing a tortilla press from Casa Iberica in Johnston street, along with some masa for making tortillas, I couldn't wait to get it home and try it out.  I was a bit worried, however the results were fantastic - the only problem being that the tortillas were a little small.

Pictured above are our sizzling fajitas with guacamole and homemade tortillas.  The tortillas were so easy to make - mix 1 and 3/4 cup of stone-ground corn with 1 cup plus 2 tbsp of warm water.  It was as simple as letting the dough rest for around half an hour, and the rolling into small balls and flattening in the tortilla press.  To cook them, I just warmed a frypan over medium-low heat, and cooked them for approx 30 seconds each side, and then kept warm in a tea-towel.

The flavour and texture of these tortillas is totally different to the lifeless, rubbery discs you buy in a pack from the supermarket.  The investment (around $30 for the press) is well worthwhile, especially considering the supermarket rubbish costs around $4 a pack.  You will never go back!

Chicken Fajita Marinade

I'm not too sure of the quantities of everything in this, I tend to add a splash of this and a dash of that until it smells right.  As a guide, the basic ingredients and rough quantities are:

3 chicken thighs or breast fillets, cut into thin strips
6 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp cumin
juice of 1 lemon or lime
30mL tequila or bacardi
1 tsp smokey paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
salt, pepper, and chilli to taste
thinly sliced capsicum and red onion
A good splash of olive oil
A good pinch of dried oregano
1 Very finely ground dried bay leaf
Approx 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaf

Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.  Cook on the BBQ or on cast iron sizzle plates (pictured above).

When you head to Casa Iberica to stock up on spanish/mexican supplies or to get your tortilla press, make sure you grab a couple of Portuguese custard tarts (3 for $5) - one of the best snacks you can buy in Melbourne!

http://casaibericadeli.com.au/