Mortar and Pestle

[DriftingCrow]

I just bought a granite mortar and pestle over at Target today. I am really psyched to use it, because I've been looking for one for over two years now (but didn't feel like heading over to Williams & Sonoma).

Does anyone have any great salsa, guacamole, etc. recipes to share? 

Edit: added the word "bought"

[Jamie D]

I have a lab-quality, porcelain mortar and pestle made by CoorsTek in Golden, Colorado.  I use it to grind spices.

For a good guacamole recipe, take a look at the Avocado topic started by VM in the cooking section.

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,128203.0.html

I have one in reply #12.

[Jamie D]

There are about a gazillion salsa recipes out there, but the fact of the matter, the best and  most versatile salsa probably is the simplest.  It is called "salsa cruda" and I just throw it together in about 5 minutes.

I'm going to give you a "recipe" but you can vary the ingredients as you feel like

3 large ripe tomatoes, diced (I use the skins and cores and seeds)
1/2 sweet onion, peeled and diced
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
1 serrano or green jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
some fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
juice of one ripe lime
pinch of salt

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, and chill before serving.

Some people like to use or add red onion or green onion.  Some use lemon juice.
Canned chilis are acceptable as well, though I like everything fresh.

This recipe is the basic salsa, which can then be modified with other ingredients, such as mango, pineapple, peach, fire-roasted tomato, etc.

[DriftingCrow]

Thanks Jamie, I'll hit the grocery store tomorrow!

I used to grind nuts and seeds using a bowl and the wooden handle side of a wire wisk, they never came out too smooth, this will certainly make it a lot easier.

[Jamie D]

If you are looking to make Mexican food, I hope you purchased a molcajete and not a standard mortar and pestle.

I sometimes make my guacamole in it and it doubles as a serving bowl.  The functionality is the same, however.

[Devlyn]

Thanks Jamie, I'll hit the grocery store tomorrow!

I used to grind nuts and seeds using a bowl and the wooden handle side of a wire wisk, they never came out too smooth, this will certainly make it a lot easier.

An easier way to bust your nuts, kind of a contradiction!

[DriftingCrow]

If you are looking to make Mexican food, I hope you purchased a molcajete and not a standard mortar and pestle.

Not just Mexican food, I used to have to grind a lot of nuts which was too hard for my crappy blender. I got one like in the picture Jamie posted.