The Definition of Molcajete

Molcajete y Tejolote

• The molcajete is the mortar, or the bowl, and the tejolote is the pestle, or the stick.

Appearance

• The molcajete is a short, squat, three-legged vessel, and the tejolote is an oblong rounded tool that fits in the hand. Both are usually carved from a volcanic rock called basalt.

Uses

• The molcajete y tejolote is used to grind grain, crush herbs and blend spices for food like salsa and guacamole. Aficionados say that food made with a molcajete y tejolote tastes better than food made any other way.

Seasoning

• To avoid shedding basalt grit into the food, the molcajete y tejolote must be seasoned by soaking it in water. It can also be seasoned by rubbing with a wire brush, grinding rice grains, or other methods to smooth the stone and keep it from crumbling.