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
- Salsa Rojo
- roast in air fryer: tomatoes / cheery tomatoes, shallots, garlic (skin on). mash in mulcajete in order: S&O & garlic, shallots, tomatoes. Serve
- something like this: https://youtube.com/shorts/01OtQr9ldWo?si=6OyqyKdmIJDPbN-X
These I have not tried but intend to:
- Pesto
- Curry paste:
- 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)
- Middle eastern dishes with roasted eggplant and raw garlic such as Melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), or Mirza Ghasemi - grilled eggplant, garlic, tomato, and egg
This QR code links to this webpage. Print it and put it near your molajete for easy access.
