Ancient Cookware 8-Inch Molcajete

The molcajete is an iconic and essential part of the Mexican kitchen, and this one by Ancient Cookware is made with that same centuries-old tradition in mind. Hand-crafted from volcanic basalt, the rough, textured surface is ideal for blending, grinding and breaking apart chilies, tomatoes, whole spices and other ingredients when making salsa, guacamole or even mole. We also appreciate it for its size—light enough to maneuver easily while large enough to hold a good amount without bits of ingredients falling out of the bowl. The gently curved shape also makes grinding easier than with the steeper sides of many mortar and pestle sets.

Diameter: 8-inches
Materials: Volcanic stone

Despite the similarities between the tools, one does not use the molcajete to pound ingredients as you would a mortar and pestle. Instead, you fit the tejolote into your palm and direct its movement with your fingertips as you grind ingredients against the rough stone. This molcajete is great not only for making guacamole and salsa, but also for grinding spices, grains and stale bread. Use it to break apart fresh, dried or toasted chilies, too.

Never use soap or any kind of detergent on a molcajete, as the porous rock will absorb its smell and taste of the detergent. This is a tool that improves with time and use, accumulating the oils and aromas of the food made in it. And the rock itself imparts a pleasing mineral taste to the food. A stiff brush (with no detergent) is a useful tool for cleaning out the craggy holes.

How to season your molcajete: Before the first use, rinse the molcajete with water, then clean it with a wire brush. Use the pestle to grind up several cloves of garlic into a paste. Spread it all around the inside of the molcajete. You can also use onion, or a combination of onion and garlic, as well as cumin seeds, rock salt and cilantro. Rice is another traditionally used ingredient for grinding during this initial seasoning stage. Let the molcajete rest for 24 hours. Then rinse away the paste from the molcajete.