Noun
/komaɾ/
The word comal refers to a traditional flat cooking surface or griddle used primarily in Mexican and Central American cuisine. It is commonly made of clay, metal, or other materials and is used for cooking tortillas, toasting spices, and preparing various other foods. The term is frequently used in informal conversation, especially in culinary contexts, and is an important part of daily life in households across Central America and Mexico.
The word comal is more prevalent in oral speech than in written contexts, as it is often discussed in relation to cooking practices rather than in academic or formal writing.
Mi abuela siempre usa el comal para hacer tortillas frescas.
My grandmother always uses the griddle to make fresh tortillas.
El comal es esencial en la cocina mexicana.
The griddle is essential in Mexican cooking.
Voy a calentar el comal para asar unos chiles.
I am going to heat the griddle to roast some peppers.
The word comal is often featured in idiomatic expressions or phrases related to cooking and traditional practices.
Estar como un comal
Translation: To be like a griddle.
Meaning: Used to describe someone who is very hot or sweaty.
Después de correr, estoy como un comal.
After running, I am like a griddle.
No hay comal sin maíz
Translation: There is no griddle without corn.
Meaning: Emphasizes that certain essential elements must be present for something to happen.
No hay fiesta sin comida; no hay comal sin maíz.
There is no party without food; there is no griddle without corn.
Poner el comal sobre el fuego
Translation: Put the griddle on the fire.
Meaning: To start something that requires heat, often used metaphorically to indicate the beginning of a project or task.
Es hora de poner el comal sobre el fuego y empezar a trabajar.
It’s time to put the griddle on the fire and start working.
The word comal derives from the Nahuatl word comalli, which refers to a flat cooking surface used by indigenous peoples in Mexico. The term has retained its meaning and significance over centuries and continues to be an essential tool in the culinary traditions of the region.