What is a molcajete?
A molcajete holds its matching tejolote. A molcajete ( [molkaˈxete]; Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl molcaxitl) and tejolote are stone tools, the traditional Mexican version of the mortar and pestle, similar to the South American batan, used for grinding various food products.
Why is Molcajete hot?
While recipes are usually not stewed or otherwise cooked in them, the molcajete stays hot for a very long time due to its high thermal mass, and it is not unusual for a dish to still be bubbling half an hour after serving.
Where did the tripod molcajete come from?
Well used tripod molcajete, origin unknown. Tripod molcajete with a pig's head decoration, originating from San Salvador el Seco, Puebla, México; a very popular model in the taquerías (taco shops) of México City.
Can you ground rice flour in Molcajete?
Some rice flour may remain ground into the surface of the molcajete, but this causes no problems. As the porous basalt is impossible to fully clean and sanitize, molcajetes are known to " season " (much like cast iron skillets ), carrying over flavors from one preparation to another.
What is a molcajete?
Guacamole can be made using a molcajete. A molcajete is a mortar, a rounded container which is designed to be used with a pestle to grind food ingredients. Molcajete is a Mexican Spanish word; it is typically paired with a tejolote, or “pestle.”.
How to use Molcajete?
Using a molcajete is fairly simple. The food which is being ground is piled into the molcajete, and the tejolote is moved in an up and down motion to grind it. You may find that starting with a small amount of food works best, establishing a base to which you can add more food.
How to remove grit from Molcajete?
This little known plugin reveals the answer. Before a molcajete can be used, it must be seasoned to remove grit. Many people start by soaking the molcajete in water and allowing it to dry completely, removing surface dust. Then, a grain such as corn or white rice is ground in the molcajete.
When was the Molcajete invented?
Molcajetes are often used to make traditional Mexican dishes like salsa. Archaeological evidence suggests that the molcajete was developed around 4,000 BCE, and possibly even before then. This early kitchen utensil was probably related to the metate, a stone grinder which is even older.
Why is my molcajete gray?
As the grain is ground, it will turn gray, a result of the residual grit in the mortar. After several changes of fresh grain, the grain should remain pure white, at which point the molcajete can be rubbed with a mixture of herbs and then used. Using a molcajete is fairly simple.
Overview
Description
The molcajete was used by pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztec and Maya, stretching back several thousand years. Traditionally carved out of a single block of vesicular basalt, molcajetes are typically round in shape and supported by three short legs. They are frequently decorated with the carved head of an animal on the outside edge of the bowl, giving the molcajete the appearance of a short, stout, three-legged animal. The pig is the most common ani…
Use and care
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See also
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