What is a "comal"?

A comal is a traditional Mexican cooking utensil, often made of cast iron or clay, that resembles a flat, round griddle or skillet. It typically has a smooth, flat surface and no raised edges or handles. Comals are used primarily for cooking tortillas, but they can also be used for warming or toasting various other flatbreads, such as gorditas, sopes, and tostadas. They are placed directly over a heat source, such as a stove burner or open flame, and are valued for their ability to evenly heat and cook the tortillas, imparting a slightly charred flavor and creating a soft texture.