Are you using your mortar and pestle properly? If you find spices scattered on the countertop, stop! you are doing something wrong. One of the simplest tools in any culinary arsenal, a mortar and pestle has been in use since time immemorial. According to legends, the first documented use of mortar and pestle dates back to about 35,000 years before Christ (BC), making it a timeless tool around the world. A mortar and pestle is durable, chic, and relatively compact compared to a grinding stone or even a mixer grinder. However, every tool comes with its own techniques for effective use. The mortar and pestle is no different; You need to know how to use it properly to grind spices or make chutney efficiently. Fret not, as always, we are with you!
Here, we bring you a quick guide featuring some of the essential factors to consider while buying and using a mortar and pestle. read on.
Read also: Watch: Neena Gupta has the best ‘jugaad’ to grind roasted cumin
Kitchen Tips: Important Facts to Keep in Mind While Buying Mortar and Pestle:
Material:
If you look around, you’ll find a wide variety of options made from a variety of materials. There are mortars and pestles made of stone, wood and even stainless steel and iron. You need to choose the material based on your usage. While wood requires extra care (being porous), ceramic mortars and pestles can be extremely delicate and brittle.
Texture:
While we always love products that are smooth and shiny, the story is a little different here. According to culinary experts, it is always better to have a mortar with a rough texture on the inside. This will make the grinding process much more accessible.
shape and size:
A mortar and pestle is available in various shapes and sizes. Some are cylindrical in shape, while some are oval. Then you have a mortar the size of a bowl. If you plan to grind a large quantity of spices, go for the larger size (of the mortar and pestle); Whereas, if you are single or in a small size family, then take a small to medium mortar and pestle for your daily use.
weight:
The heavier the equipment, the easier it is to grinding spices. A heavy mortar comes with a thick base that prevents the tool from slipping. Therefore, it is important to consider the weight of the product when buying.
Consider the above factors and choose wisely while buying a mortar and pestle. In the next step, let’s take a look at some quick tips to keep in mind when using the classic tool.
The 5 most effective ways to use a mortar and pestle:
hit it right:
The speed of the pestle plays an important role in defining consistency and texture herbs and spices, To get the best results, it is always recommended to grind in a circular motion, rather than pounding up and down.
Roast the spices:
Always grind whole spices in a tool to bring out the desired freshness in your dish. It gets even better when you roast the spices on a hot pan before transferring them to the mortar. This not only eases the process but also enhances the flavor of the spice.
Grind in small batches:
No matter how big the tool, fill the mortar only to one-third of its capacity. Adding more spices makes it difficult to grind, the pieces remain intact after the grinding process.
Do not over grind:
While some spices require a fine grind, others must be kept coarse. Take Garlic, For example. While whole garlic cloves flavor the dish better, coarsely crushing them helps to more effectively add essential oils to the dish, enhancing the flavor. Therefore, if your recipe calls for spices or herbs that are not finely ground, we suggest lightly crushing them with a pestle (not grinding or pounding).
Clean after each use:
Cleaning the equipment after each use is extremely important. This helps to eliminate the aroma of the spices and prevents it from passing on to the next batch of spices. You can use soap and warm water or lemon and cornstarch to wash away the remaining spice and odor. Another trick is to grind raw rice in a mortar with a pestle. The rice will take away all the odor and make the appliance odorless.
Follow these genius tips and make cooking hassle-free for all. And don’t forget to let us know how you liked the tricks and hacks in the comment section below.