Why Does Your Kitchen Need a Mortar and Pestle
There are many trendy kitchen toys out there, some of which are more useful than others, but there are some things that cannot be improved even with the latest technology. A mortar and pestle is one of those things, and your kitchen needs them.
You might argue that this is not a “necessity” but a “necessity” – a funny thing. Do you want your food to be the most flavorful version of yourself? I mean, I think not, but you probably want it to be. You can chop and chop the garlic, ginger, and fresh herbs into a flavorful paste perfect for spreading over chicken or stirring when frying, but there will be chunks and you can get them much faster by beating them with a pestle. … This way you will also get a smoother and more flavorful paste, since crushing these cell walls will release the flavors more efficiently than cutting them apart.
Why not use a food processor? Or a spice grinder? Again, we are dealing with cuts and blunt force injuries, but as my chef friend pointed out, these appliances have motors, and motors generate heat, and heat can degrade and muffle bright, bold scents. There is also the issue of scale. If a recipe calls for one tablespoon of freshly ground toasted cumin seeds, then trying to grind them with even the smallest food processor will be a frustrating and most likely wasted effort. Aside from chopping up fresh spices and making flavorful pastes, this lo-fi multifunctional kitchen tool can be used to whip any of the following:
- Guacamole: You will need a large one, but it is very impressive.
- Chimichurri: Because grilling season is approaching.
- Curry Paste: Yes, you can buy curry paste at the store, but consider how proud you will be of your super-flavored creation.
- Pesto: guide your Italian grandma, be she real or imaginary.
- Caesar Dressing: Garlic and anchovies emulsify much better as a smooth paste.
- Flavored Salts: Because nothing else can make these flavored nuggets good enough.
Mortar and pestle kits come in a wide variety of materials, including wood, glass, granite, and marble, but I find wood is too porous and glass is fragile. The marble (which I have) is pretty good, but the Thai granite mortar and pestle is the perfect platonic ideal with a smooth, hard surface that can withstand bumps and rubbing without getting stuck in crevices or pores. You can find it on Amazon, but it’s also worth checking out the local Asian market if you’re lucky enough to live near it.