This is the absolute coolest-looking mortar and pestle I have ever seen. I don’t know if the ball would be any more or less effective that then traditional pestle (such as the one I have at home), but it looks like it might be best used to crush spices, rather than, say make a pesto. But with something that looks this good on your counter or table, honestly, who cares! [$24.00]
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2 Responses to “Modern Mortar and Pestle”Leave a Reply |
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February 5th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Hi Erin – first off, great site.
Now, I got a mortar and pestle for Christmas, but have no idea what to use it for. I cook a lot, but have never needed it. Now that I’ve got one (not as stylish as this one, but not bad), I assume I’m missing out on culinary options… Help!
February 5th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Hi Sean, To be completely honest, I use my mortar and pestle most often to weigh down things that need to be drained (e.g., tofu). You see, my mortar and pestle is made of marble and the heaviest item in my kitchen. In the old world, people use their mortar and pestle to make pesto and things like that. I tried making pesto with it once, but it left my arm sore and I couldn’t get the uniform texture I can achieve with a food processor.
I do occasionally use my mortar and pestle to grind whole spices. Whole spices retain their flavor longer than pre-ground spices, and since spices can be expensive, it might be worth it for you buy them whole and grind them for each use. The mortar and pestle works well on things like whole cumin, coriander seeds, and peppercorns. It is a little more work for cloves and harder spices.
Anybody else have other uses for their mortar and pestles?