Up until very recently the extent of my experience with a mortar and pestle involved dipping a tortilla chip down into the mortar to procure another bite of guacamole! However, thanks to member Chip Burrus of Glen Dale, WV, my kitchen has been opened up to the wonderful possibilities of this fantastically simple tool.
You may recognize the mortar and pestle as the iconic symbol associated with pharmacies. It was traditionally used to crush various ingredients prior to preparing old-timey prescriptions. Over the generations, mortars moved out of the pharmacy and into the home kitchen where they are used in the preparation of ingredients for dishes like the aforementioned guacamole, salsa and even member Ann Morell’s Basic Pesto. (In fact, my bit of research taught me that pesto gets its name from the pestle! How neat is that?!)
Now, if you’re anything like me, that right there is enough to make you want to run to your nearest kitchen supply store and pick of one of these for your very own!
Chip most enjoys using his mortar and pestle to bring out the true flavors of his herbs and spices… like in his tasty Barbecue Sauce recipe. Fresh or dried, a quick grind in the mortar makes flavorful oils in the spices really come alive! Even without a mortar and pestle, I’ve found that rubbing herbs between my hands before tossing them into a recipe makes a big difference. It’s a fast and easy way to brighten up your dishes and get the most out of your spices.
Chip sent me and the Just A Pinch Kitchen Crew a note to let us know that the mortar and pestle is his must-have kitchen gadget, and to make sure that we weren’t missing the mortar boat. Well, thank you, sir… You’ve opened our eyes and our spice cabinets to a whole new world!
What is YOUR most useful kitchen gadget? I’m always on the hunt for new tools and would love to know what you think I should try next!