Mortar and pestles are one of the oldest and most versatile tools in the kitchen. They can be used to grind spices, make pesto, create marinades or for preparing curry sauces.
A mortar and pestle is a kitchen tool used to crush, grind, and pulverize ingredients. The mortar is a bowl, typically made of ceramic, stone, or wood. The pestle is a blunt club-shaped tool that tapers to a point, and is usually made of the same material as the mortar.
Mortars and pestles have been used since ancient times to prepare ingredients for cooking. In many cultures, they are still used today to create traditional dishes. For example, in Thai cuisine a mortar and pestle is used to make curry pastes and spice mixtures.
Mortars and pestles are also great for crushing pills or grinding spices into powder. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to make your own powders, a mortar and pestle is the perfect kitchen tool for the job!
Why do I need a mortar and pestle in my kitchen?
There are a few key reasons why having a mortar and pestle in your kitchen can be incredibly useful. For one, a mortar and pestle can be used to grind down spices and other ingredients to create a finer powder or paste. This is especially helpful if you want to create your own spice blends or pastes from scratch.
Another reason to have a mortar and pestle in your kitchen is that it can be used as a natural alternative to processed salt and pepper grinders. If you're someone who prefers to use fresh, whole ingredients whenever possible, then using a mortar and pestle to grind down your own salt and pepper is a great way to go.
Finally, having a mortar and pestle on hand also allows you to make quick work of crushing herbs and other fresh ingredients for recipes. If you're making a dish that calls for fresh herbs, being able to quickly crush them up with a mortar and pestle can save you time (and hassle) in the kitchen.
What materials are mortar and pestles made of?
The most common material for mortar and pestles is stone. Granite is a popular choice because it is durable and easy to clean. Marble mortar and pestles seem to be the most popular as they present beautifully in kitchens although they are not as durable as granite. Another popular material type are wooden mortar and pestles as they are much lighter and tend to be used more for grinding and crushing herbs.Ceramic mortar and pestles are commonly known as Suribachi, popularly used in Japan, which feature little grooves to assist in grinding and mixing herbs delicately into powders that are collected with a special type of brush to add directly into dishes when cooking or serving food.
What size mortar and pestle do I need?
When it comes to choosing a mortar and pestle, size does matter. If you are preparing large batches to feed a growing family or entertain guests often, it is safer to choose a larger mortar and pestle This will give you enough room to work with, without making the task too cumbersome. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule and some recipes will call for a specific size of mortar and pestle. When in doubt, consult your recipe or ask a culinary expert.
What other kitchen tools complement a mortar and pestle?
In addition to a mortar and pestle, other kitchen tools that complement a mortar and pestle include a:
Garlic Press: to mince fresh garlic and mix into spice mixes in your mortar and pestle
Cooking Spoon: to collect the spice or herb mix in the mortar and pestle to transfer into the pot or pan for cooking.
Spice Jars and Herb keeper: to keep your herbs and spices fresh, store them neatly and make them easy to retrieve when using your mortar and pestle.
Food storage containers: to store the spice mixes, sauces or marinades made in your mortar and pestle hygienically in your fridge or pantry to keep them fresh for longer.
