The Molcajete

A molcajete is basically a big pestle and mortar. This is a why it’s so good:

• https://www.seriouseats.com/2018/08/best-mortars-and-pestles.html
• https://www.seriouseats.com/2017/06/freeze-basil-leaves-for-food-processor-pesto-curry-paste.html

Pro tip - use the freezer.

Some history about the Molcajete that I haven’t read.

Curing & Cleaning

Curing:

• https://youtube.com/shorts/VymX6ILledw?si=wufhZsQLCm_q4Jg5
• https://youtube.com/shorts/q6zgTStqThg?si=3Z5Kv9FCYbTR1OlL
• https://youtu.be/4Z0CX7P-SZg?si=OizmT8S1vfTd3qrU

Cleaning:

• some people will grind rice every te they clean it. I’m not doing that.
• this lady is super annoying, but worth a watch
• good and simple process

I have a sprinkler on my hose with a relatively high pressure spray setting. I will use this, maybe grind some salt too, and then leave it somewhere it will get direct sunlight in the morning.

Recipes

These I have tried and can recommend:

• The best guacamole - video - text

Mash in molcajete: 1 small shallot (chopped), 1 chili (chopped), half bunch fresh coriander (chopped), salt. Mash 3-4 avocados with fork. Mix in sauce from molcajete. Adjust salt and lime to taste. Serve.

• Gai Lan with Ginger Sauce

These I have not tried but intend to:

• Pesto
• Curry paste:
  • Phat Phrik Khing (Dry-Style Red Thai Curry)
  • Khao Soi Gai (Coconut Curry Noodle Soup With Chicken)
• Roasted Salsa
• Salsa Verde
• Macanese African Chicken - Macau’s version of Piri Piri Chicken (非洲鸡)
• Tandoori Lamb Neck
• Beer Marinaded Chicken
• Another Salsa Verde
• Roasted veg salsa (youtube short)

This QR code links to this webpage. Print it and put it near your molajete for easy access.