How to Use a Molcajete

A Prehispanic Food Processor

A molcajete is a large mortar and pestle made from volcanic stone used to prepare Mexican food, particularly salsas. Think of the molcajete as a Prehispanic blender or food processor.

There are two parts to a molcajete the mortar or base which is called the molcajete and the pestle or grinder which is called the “mano” or hand in Spanish.

A molcajete is an integral part of a well-equipped Mexican Kitchen. You certainly can make great salsa without one, but it is a nice addition to your kitchen utensil collection if you cook Mexican often. If you can’t find one locally, they are available online.

Why Use a Molcajete Instead of a Blender?

The grinding action of the molcajete releases the essential oils of the ingredients you are processing which adds depth of flavor to your food. Preparing food in a blender chops the food instead of grinding it which releases less flavor and gives it a different texture.

If you need to be convinced that there is a difference in flavor, do a taste test by making two batches of the same salsa, one in the blender and one in the molcajete. I guarantee that you will be able to see and taste the difference. Full disclosure – I don’t always make everything in the molcajete. The need for speed or an easier cleanup wins many times. But, I really should. :)

Are they Hard to Use?

Molcajetes are simple to use but do require more physical effort than blenders or food processors. You may think, “I don’t want to make any extra effort when I cook. Cooking is enough effort.” But, I promise you the extra effort is worth it.

How to Use a Molcajete

Chop any ingredients that you plan on preparing in the molcajete. It makes processing easier and gives your food a more uniform texture. The finer you chop the ingredients before adding them the smoother your food will be.

Start adding the ingredients in small batches. Don’t dump all of the ingredients in at once. Using the “mano” press and then twist the food to break it down. Add more until all ingredients are fully incorporated and blended to the desired texture.

If it feels awkward at first, you will get the hang of it after a few uses. Don’t worry.

How to Choose

Molcajetes come in many sizes or shapes. The smaller sizes are used to make portions for one or two people and the larger ones to make family-sized portions.

Molcajetes have personalities. If you can, try a few out. Hold the “mano” in your hand and practice grinding with it. Do the same in another and then another until you find one that feels most comfortable. There is no right or wrong when choosing. Choose the one that feels most comfortable to you and the size is appropriate for the amount of food you want to make with it.

Readying Your Molcajete for Its First Use

Most new molcajetes need to be “cured” before you use them. Curing doesn’t mean oiling it and heating it the oven like you would with a cast-iron skillet. Curing means smoothing out the interior and removing and grit.

To cure a new molcajete, add a few tablespoons of rock salt or dry white rice. Use your pestle or “mano” to grind it thoroughly. As you grind, the salt or rice will turn gray and you will notice some grit. Discard the ground mixture and then add a few more tablespoons of salt or rice and grind again. When the salt or rice no longer turns gray when you grind it the molcajete is now “cured.” Rinse the molcajete and “mano” under running water and it is ready to use.

How to Clean

Molcajetes are easy to clean. Just scrape out any remaining food and then rinse it under hot running water. Use a kitchen brush to remove any food that is stuck. Add a couple of drops of dish soap and then scrub some more with your kitchen brush. Rinse again thoroughly with hot water to ensure no soap residue remains. Pat dry with a kitchen towel and allow it to dry completely before putting it away.

A molcajete will last nearly forever. If you clean it regularly and don’t drop it on a hard surface you will be able to pass it on to the next generation. And, they should be able to pass it on to the next.

Buy a Molcajete

You can get a great molcajete from our friends at HERNÁN. They are hand-carved in Mexico from 100% volcanic stone. Your molcajete can also be used to serve pre-prepared salsas and dips. Sure to be a conversation starter around any party table.

Try This Molcajete Recipe

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4.5 from 8 votes

Salsa Molcajeteada

"Salsa Molcajeteada" a handmade roast tomato and tomatillo Mexican salsa prepared in a traditional stone molcajete.

Course Salsa

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword molcajete, salsa, serrano peppers, tomato

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 3 cups

Calories 48kcal

Author Douglas Cullen

Ingredients

• 4 Roma tomatoes
• 4 to tomatillos or green tomatoes
• 1 medium white onion quartered
• 2 serrano chiles
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp salt or to taste

Instructions

• Char all the vegetables except the cilantro well.
• Coarsely chop the onions, tomatoes, tomatillos, and serrano chiles.
• Add the garlic to the molcajete and grind to a paste.
• Add the onion and grind until it starts to break apart.
• Add the cilantro.
• Add the Roma tomatoes and tomatillos and grind until desired consistency is reached.
• Salt to taste.

Notes

Where to Get a Molcajete

You can get a molcajete through HERNÁN, specialists in authentic Mexican foods and cookware.

Substitutions

• You can substitute jalapeños for the serrano chiles. You can make the salsa with just Roma tomatoes or just tomatillos.

Preparation

• If you prefer a less chunky salsa, chop the ingredients finer before grinding them in the molcajete.
• Really charring the ingredients adds lots of flavor to the salsa.
• You do not need to remove the seeds and veins from the chiles.
• Be sure to add enough salt to the salsa so that all of the flavors really pop. The salsa should be a little bit salty when you taste it on its own. When you add it to your food it won’t taste as salty.
• You can also make this salsa in the blender. It will still taste great.

Storage

• It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

 

What the Name Means

The name “salsa molcajeteada” means salsa made in a molcajete.

Nutrition

Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 782mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 805IU | Vitamin C: 21.8mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Molcajete Recipes

• Another great salsa recipe you can prepare in molcajete is our Classic Mexican Salsa.
• How to Make Guacamole in the Molcajete.