Pistou

In the Provençal language, the word pistou literally means “pestle”; so, of course, the proper way to make it is by hand. Ideally, use a wooden pestle and a ceramic mortar with a grainy textured interior, which works like an emery board. A Japanese suribachi, heavy mixing bowl, or Thai granite mortar is a good substitute for the French mortier. As a last resort, a blender or food processor may be used.