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How to Use a Mortar and Pestle

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Category: Cooking, Flavor and Spice

Sometimes the simplest tool is the best one for the job. Curtis Stone demonstrates how versatile a mortar and pestle -- whether made of wood, stone or metal -- can be for preparing spice rubs, sauces and much more.

Step 1: Dry Rub
Combine assorted seeds into the mortar. Using the Pestle, put pressure onto the seeds to break them up. Continue the pressure and use the pestle to grind the mixture. Once the seeds have been ground to a fine powder, mix with a teaspoon of sugar or a half teaspoon salt. Use as a dry rub placing the mixture directly onto the protein.

Step 2: Pesto
Add basil, lemon juice, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic and salt to mortar. Grind ingredients until paste forms. Add olive oil and firmly continue to put pressure on pestle to pound the herbs and combine all ingredients. Stir until desired consistency.

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

  • 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • 5 Whole Black Peppercorns
  • Salt or Sugar
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 Lemon
  • 2 teaspoons Pine Nuts
  • 1 clove Fresh Garlic

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73 Comments

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RUTHIECHANGO

I'VE USE MORTAR AND PESTLE FOREVER SINCE A CHILD MY MOTHER USES IT MY DAUGTHER USES IT, ITS
PASS ON FROM GENERATION I USE IT FOR EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING

April 04 2011 at 11:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Vinnie

i love to use mortar and pestle to make spices more easily to use for cooking

April 04 2011 at 4:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Iselin007

I have one in marble I inherited from my brother who was into science ect.

April 04 2011 at 4:34 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jdth286

interesting

April 04 2011 at 4:22 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bjenn630

you are kidding me... right???? how to use a mortar and pestle??? I so want this job ... ok let's see.... how to walk?
a friggin caveman could figure out how to mash something and do it without thinking, but Curtis Stone gets paid for it, I soooo neeeed this job, .... I WANT THIS JOB .... I have videos on how to turn the handle on your door, how not to step in a puddle or dog poop, how to button your shirt, tie your shoes, BREATHE or take a peeeeeeeeee .... AMAZING, ABSOLUTELY AMAZING ... ohhh by the way, my videos are only $999.99 a piece and you pay shipping ... it's a great deal folks, can't make this stuff up

April 04 2011 at 1:43 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to bjenn630's comment
Michael

Actually, 1. my mother and grandmother have no clue how to use a mortar(holder) and pestle(pounder) so there are some people who need something this basic, and 2. there are many martial arts and yoga videos on how to breath for detoxification; increased body heat; cooling off; increased energy; and even for deep sea free-diving. There are also fools who kill themselves every year trying to tough out that last one without learning any techniques.

April 04 2011 at 3:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Isabelita

Well we Latinos from the Islands of Puerto Rico use this all the time, Well at least I do.. lol..
We Call it a Pilon. I use it to make Mofongo that is a dish that consists of smashed plantains with fried pork rinds and also I smash all my herbs which we call sofrito for my rice and also Stews.. My grandfather use to make them.. Well the one I have is made out of wood like the ones my grandfather made in Puerto Rico.. Would like to find one made out of marble like one of those he has..

April 04 2011 at 1:23 AM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Isabelita's comment
cmdr dirkadirka

i love Mofongo. i took a vacation in Puerto Rico a couple of years ago and decided to try it. it was great. also on a side note, why do you use plantains so much over there?

April 04 2011 at 1:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Karen

I have used a morter and pestle for 20 years. I use it to make insences. Use in twist motions, and for hard objects, put hand over hole while pounding down on hard stuff to break it up. Then stir and push down grinding down against the bowl. I am a witch, a good witch, and I could not survive without a good mortar and pestle made only of stone.
Blessed Be

April 04 2011 at 1:21 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Ol Bob

Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt the martini, but I bet it would ruin hell out of the olive.

April 04 2011 at 12:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Ol Bob's comment
walkin07

Coincidentally, I use my mortal and pestle to grind cloves for my "Victory Gin."

April 04 2011 at 1:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rose

My Grandfather was a pharmacist, and aften used a mortar & pestle. But my question is; where does one find a mortar & pestle these days???

April 03 2011 at 11:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
3 replies to Rose's comment
rikshawbus

the media think we all are dumb asses and that we don't even know how to feed ourselves and make the food we eat taste good. people who aren't afraid of different cultures and being creative know how to use these tools and these herbs and spices.
it's a gosh darn blender and you don't need electricity with it!

April 03 2011 at 11:34 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to rikshawbus's comment
otter590

beleive it, you are a dumbass

April 04 2011 at 1:20 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply

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