How to Use a Molcajete

A common tool in South Texas kitchens is a molcajete which is used to grind spices, to hand blend salsas and to use as a serving vessel. A molcajete is a two-part mortar and pestle that is made from volcanic rock. The bowl is footed, and the pestle, called a tejolote, is used to grind and blend ingredients in the bowl of the mortar. Many of my recipes provide measurements for ground cumin and black pepper. If you prefer, use your molcajete to grind a pinch of whole cumin and pepper corns to add to your dishes. Unlike a smooth marble or granite mortar and pestle, the porous rock captures oils and juices with each use, flavoring your molcajete. Like a cast iron comal, this adds flavor to whatever is being made in the molcajete, particularly salsas and sauces. My family has been gifting molcajetes as a wedding gift for multiple generations. I always knew there was a wedding being planned when my grandfather sat on the porch curing a molcajete by grinding rice until the interior of the molcajete was smooth. It is a true labor of love to receive a molcajete that has been cured and ready to use.