Soon after, you’ll start to realize you need more tools in the kitchen to make things a little easier. Or better. Behold the molcajete. For me, the molcajete was one of those kitchen tools I didn’t realize I needed until I saw one. I had been making salsas and guacamoles like crazy and as I learned more about more traditional Mexican cooking, the molcajete made itself known to me, a pure revelation. And I needed one! The pestle is also carved from the same rock and is called the tejolote. It will already be seasoned from years and years of use, which is a great thing because the molcajete will pick up flavors over time, which enhances the flavor of the foods you are working with. But, if you’re like the rest of us and have had to purchase the molcajete new, you’ll need to cure, or season, it first. It will take at least a day, so please resist the urge to jump into making salsas immediately. This process is important, as it is sanding the interior of the mortar and will reduce the amount of grit that releases from the volcanic rock during use in your recipes. You don’t want the grit! Before using your molcajete for the first time, grind up some thick sea salt along with crushed corn in the mortar until the material comes out clean and free of debris. Clean the molcajete with water and a brush and you should be good to go.
Using Your Molcajete
Use your molcajete for crushing and grinding spices, making salsas and guacamole, sauces and more. Simply grind down the ingredients in the mortar with the pestle to the consistency you want to achieve and transfer them to a serving bowl, or serve them directly from the molcajete for effect. I love to make guacamole with my molcajete. Here is one of my favorite recipes for guacamole. You will achieve a texture and flavor with the molcajete that you just can’t get with a blender or food processor. I still use my blenders for many recipes, but if you have the time and inclination, use the molcajete for awesome results. Looking to purchase a molcajete? Here is one I recommend. It is the one I have.
