Why you need a mortar and pestle in your home
The mortar and pestle is one of the most ancient devices for getting maximum flavour out of a wide range of ingredients. Long before food processors, this simple and rustic invention was used to crush, grind and pound herbs, spices and other food into a blend that can take dishes to the next level. A mortar and pestle can:
Help you to release more flavour out of food for a stronger, brighter taste
Assist in achieving the right texture in food
Save you money on expensive blenders and processors
Cut down on the time it takes to prepare ingredients for cooking
Upgrade your recipes and cooking using a mortar and pestle
Whether you're crushing up dried spices for a crumb mixture or adding olive oil to basil leaves and garlic to make a pesto, a mortar and pestle can often get the job done faster and more effectively than an electronic device.
This is because it crushes the ingredients, rather than cuts them, which fully releases all of the oils and flavours that are locked inside. It does this without bruising the ingredients so that the result is brighter and more intense. As it's a hand-held tool, you also have greater control over the texture of your food.
Mortar and pestle techniques - grinder to crusher
You can use a mortar and pestle in a number of different ways -
Grinding. Use it as a spice grinder to create your own seasoning blends using a combination of peppercorns, sea salt, herbs and spices.
Pounding. This is a great technique for breaking down garlic and ginger into a paste
Crushing. Crush seeds, spices, herbs, chillies, capers, nuts and so much more for sauces, dips, teas and crumb mixtures.
Mortar and pestle food preparation recipe ideas and uses
A mortar and pestle is an incredibly versatile tool, combining the job of many different kitchen appliances into one. Here's just some of the things you can make using the humble mortar and pestle:
Guacamole
Curry pastes
Spice blends
Pesto and other dips
Nut butters
Herbal tea blends
Caesar dressing
Chimichurri
Mortar and pestle sizes and shapes available
You can find mini mortar and pestles that are ideal for making small batches of delicate spice blends and large mortar and pestles for making sauces, dips, curry pastes and more. Discover a wide range of shapes and sizes at Kitchen Warehouse, from mini mortar and pestles measuring 9-10cm to the Avanti mortar and pestle 20cm for larger quantities.
Materials and textures available - from granite mortar and pestles to marble
Mortar and pestles also come in a variety of durable materials designed to withstand the knocks and bumps associated with using them. Some of the most common ones are:
Marble mortar and pestles. Stone mortar and pestles are hugely popular thanks to their strength, durability and unique natural patterns. Marble ones are smooth, light and ideal for crushing spices and pounding garlic.
Granite mortar and pestles. Granite is another popular stone for making mortar and pestles. It's slightly rough texture makes them great for grinding spices and crushing tougher ingredients, such as lemongrass and dried chillies. The Avanti mortar and pestle 13cm is a top choice.
Cast iron mortar and pestles. Cast iron is exceptionally strong and perfect for making spice blends and powders. Check out the Salt & Pepper Beacon Cast Iron Mortar and Pestle with a spout for easy pouring.
Wood mortar and pestles. Wooden mortar and pestles have a natural, rustic beauty. They are absorbent and will retain aromas and flavours so it's best to use them for one type of task only.
Learning to use a mortar and pestle
The best thing about a mortar and pestle is that it's one of the easiest tools to use in the kitchen! With its simple design and application, anyone can quickly become a pro. Start practicing by grinding, crushing and pounding different ingredients.
Cleaning, maintenance and care of your mortar and pestle
Rinse the mortar and pestle with warm water by hand after each use to prevent staining. Avoid using soap as porous materials can absorb the scent. You can also follow the care instructions on your specific product.
Storing your mortar and pestle
Mortar and pestles make a stylish addition to your kitchen when not in use. Place them in pantries, in cupboards or sit them proudly on the countertop.
Additional kitchen utensils to consider when buying a mortar and pestle
Kitchen Warehouse has a stunning range of kitchenware, tableware, cookware, accessories and more to make cooking in the kitchen an absolute dream. Check out some of our other products:
Brands we know and trust
We've got the most loved and respected Australian and international brands at lower than RRP right here at Kitchen Warehouse. Shop mortar and pestles by Avanti, Integra, Cole & Mason, Salisbury & Co, Davis & Waddell and Salt & Pepper.
Buying a mortar and pestle online with Kitchen Warehouse
Pick up a mortar and pestle online today to suit your cooking needs and match your home decor. Browse our selection, pop your favourites on a wishlist for later or checkout using flexible payment options, including AfterPay. We offer free delivery to any postcode in Australia when you spend over $100, as well as gift cards for every special occasion.
FAQs:
What are the benefits of using a mortar and pestle?
If you're someone who likes to impart as much flavour as possible into your meals, the mortar and pestle is a must-have kitchen gadget. A mortar and pestle can be used to crush, pound and grind ingredients to release full-bodied flavour and oils without bruising and damaging them for a stronger, brighter taste in sauces, dips, pastes and more.
Mortar and pestles also allow you to control the texture of your food, as well as save you money on food processors and help to reduce the time needed to prepare ingredients for cooking.
How to use a mortar and pestle?
There are three general techniques you can use with a mortar and pestle.
To grind ingredients, place them into the mortar and slowly and firmly twist the pestle on top of them until they are ground down to your desired texture.
To crush spices or garlic, place them into the mortar and roll the pestle against them to split them open and break them down. You can also add oil to the mortar and other wet ingredients if you want to make a paste or dip.
To pound seeds and larger ingredients, start by grinding them in the mortar. Then, use the pestle to gently bash them down further. You can cup your other hand over the mortar to prevent ingredients from bouncing out.
Pick up a mortar and pestle from Kitchen Warehouse today with free delivery over $100 and transform your cooking today!
