What are “molcajetes y tejolotes” used for?
Molcajetes y tejolotes are traditional Mexican kitchen tools used for grinding and crushing ingredients.
A molcajete is a stone mortar and pestle typically made from volcanic rock, such as basalt. It has a deep, bowl-like shape with three legs to stabilize it on a surface. The bowl is used to hold ingredients, and the tejolote is the pestle used to grind and crush the ingredients inside the molcajete.
Molcajetes y tejolotes are primarily used for preparing salsas, guacamole, and other traditional Mexican dishes. The rough surface of the molcajete helps to break down the ingredients, releasing the flavors and creating a unique texture. The tejolote is used to grind and crush the ingredients by hand, allowing for better control and precision in the process. The use of molcajetes y tejolotes is considered to be a crucial part of the traditional Mexican cooking technique.