Best Molcajete Bowl
If the name isn’t familiar, imagining a thousands-year-old Mexican mortar and pestle will put you on the right track. Pronounced mohl-kah-heh–te, this small grinding pot was traditionally made from a single block of volcanic rock. The ultra-rough inner surface and a tejolote – or pestle – efficiently ground and blended everything from hard spices to hot peppers, and even guacamole-bound avocadoes. And while today’s take on this enduring “food processor” still includes the rough interior and requires a fair bit of arm-work, it comes in several of different fabrications that allow for greater versatility and ease of care.
1. Editor’s Choice: Culinary Couture 2-cup Solid Granite Molcajete Bowl with Silicone Mat and Scraper
If you’ve been keen to add a variety of authentic new flavors to your favorite recipes, then you need to be grinding your own spices. And with this solid granite molcajete bowl and its handy accessories, you’ll be ready to cook the moment it’s unpacked. The deep-toned, 2-cup granite bowl with matching pestle features a polished exterior and deeply textured interior. The grinding surfaces of both tools are non-porous which eliminates the potential transfer of smell or taste and makes clean-up a breeze. Best of all, this sleek-looking molcajete set comes with a silicone scraper to scoop up every last bit of your delicious salsas and dips. A silicone mat protects countertops, and a small wooden spoon is a perfect size for stirring and tasting.
Who Should Buy This Molcajete Bowl?
This is the perfect set for the cook that wants a great-looking molcajete bowl suitable for prepping a wide range of foods and spices. The non-porous interior allows for experimentation without fear of taste or smell transfer.
Pros:
- Attractive granite construction
- Non-porous interior
- Includes silicone mat and scraper
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Heavier weight
Specs:
- Bowl material: Granite
- Weight: 7.39 pounds
- Capacity: 2 cups
- Maintenance: Hand-wash
2. Runner Up: Vasconia 4-cup Solid Granite Molcajete Bowl with Matching Pestle
When your need for a molcajete bowl is less about grinding spices and more about processing foods for salsas, guacamoles, dips, and more, this 4-cup bowl is the ideal choice. Made from non-porous granite, the heavily textured interior is ideal for breaking down fruits and vegetables into consistencies that are just right for your favorite recipes. In fact, after prepping foods in this attractive little bowl, simply set it out on your table or countertop for friends and family to self-serve. The chunky, easy-to-grip pestle is perfectly sized for firm control when mashing, grinding or pulverizing softer produce and spices. And because the interior will not absorb tastes and odors, you can move seamlessly from one sauce to the next without fear of cross-contamination.
Who Should Buy This Molcajete Bowl?
For those who want to bring authentic-tasting flavors to all their favorite recipes, this 4-cup, large-capacity molcajete bowl is just the ticket. It’s sized for volume production of great tasting dips that will keep the pickiest of crowds happy.
Pros:
- Authentic looking, footed design
- Generous, 4-cup capacity
- Shorter, easy-grip pestle
- Non-porous interior
Cons:
- Shorter pestle can make production messy
Specs:
- Bowl material: Granite
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Capacity: 4 cups
- Maintenance: Hand-wash
3. Best for Large Gatherings: Lindo Volcanic Stone Molcajete Bowl and Pestle with Extra-Wide Mouth
If your home is the neighborhood’s go-to for parties and sporting events, then you need a molcajete bowl that’s sized for volume production but doesn’t let you down when it comes to delivering authentic flavors. And this ultra-large, natural volcanic rock bowl and pestle is just the ticket. Hand-carved in Mexico, it features a generous 9-inch-wide mouth that makes it easy to add in larger chunks of fruit and vegetables while preparing your favorite dips and sauces. The unfinished, natural interior of this molcajete is extra-coarse for quick, efficient grinding and together with the tapered pestle, it makes quick work out of breaking down everything from softer avocado pieces to red-hot chili peppers, and even hard spices such as peppercorns, allspice, or cloves.
Who Should Buy This Molcajete Bowl?
This 4-cup bowl is perfect for the entertainer who loves the convenience of prepping delicious sauces and dips, then using the same bowl to serve them in. In fact, the authentic, rough texture of this classic molcajete makes it a true conversation piece at any party.
Pros:
- Natural volcanic rock
- Extra-wide, 9-inch mouth
- Chunky-tipped pestle
- Made in Mexico
Cons:
- Heavier weight
Specs:
- Bowl material: Volcanic rock
- Weight: 10.23 pounds
- Capacity: 4 cups
- Maintenance: Hand-wash
4. Best Traditional: RSVP 2-cup Volcanic Rock Molcajete Bowl with Tapered Pestle
For the purist who appreciates authenticity in their kitchen equipment, you know that materials matter. And in keeping with tradition, this Mexican-made molcajete bowl and pestle are crafted from real volcanic rock, for a natural grinding surface that continues to renew itself over time. The porous interior provides the extra-rough surface needed to effectively break down everything from fruits and vegetables, to spices and chili peppers. And because the raw finish of this bowl means that it tends to absorb oils and seasonings with use, you enjoy a wonderful carry-over of flavorful essences from one dish to the next. A tapered pestle made of the same volcanic rock features a wider grinding tip for greater control and a more efficient crushing and blending process
Who Should Buy This Molcajete Bowl?
This natural volcanic stone bowl and pestle are the perfect choice for the home cook or professional chef who truly appreciates the flavorful benefits that a porous finish can lend to a wide range of foods. As well as the level of care required to maintain it.
Pros:
- Traditional volcanic rock bowl
- Natural non-porous interior
- Tapered, volcanic rock pestle
- Made in Mexico
Cons:
- Requires diligent pre-seasoning / clean-up
Specs:
- Bowl material: Volcanic rock
- Weight: 8.2 pounds
- Capacity: 2 cups
- Maintenance: Hand-wash
5. Best for Grinding: SIUMUN 1.5-cup Solid Granite Molcajete Bowl with Matching Pestle and Non-Slip Silicone Mat
For the home-chef that wants a molcajete bowl they can use for grinding spices without having to worry about a transfer of flavors when they switch over to crushing and blending fruits or vegetables, this dual-sided bowl is the perfect solution. Made from solid black granite, this grinding bowl’s raw interior has a 1.5 cup capacity and is ideal for quick and efficient processing of everything from garlic and ginger to chili peppers and avocadoes. Flip it over, and you have a concave surface with the same rough finish that can be dedicated to grinding up to ½ cup of hard spices. You never have to deal with pungent scents or flavors being transferred between dishes. A granite pestle features a wider cap for easier pressing while a silicone mat prevents slippage and counter damage.
Who Should Buy This Molcajete Bowl?
When you don’t want to risk transferring the strong smell and flavors of powerful spices into your milder sauces and dips, this dual-sided bowl is a great choice. Made from solid granite with a rough interior that’s perfect for grinding, it’s one of the most versatile kitchen tools you’ll ever find.
Pros:
- Dual-sided eliminates flavor transfer
- Solid granite construction
- Easy-grip granite pestle
- Includes non-slip silicone mat
Cons:
- Smaller cup not ideal for serving
Specs:
- Bowl material: Granite
- Weight: 5.85 pounds
- Capacity: 1.5 cups / .5 cups
- Maintenance: Hand-wash
6. Best Easy-To-Grip: Pepe Nero 2-cup Granite, Molcajete Bowl with Pestle, Garlic Peeler, and Avocado Slicer
If you’ve decided that your signature culinary style is going to be authentic Mexican cuisine, then you need a molcajete bowl that sets you up for success – and this is it. Made from solid granite with a unique square shape for easier gripping, this bowl’s rough. unpolished interior is the perfect texture for breaking down everything from avocado, garlic, and chili peppers to peppercorns and allspice. Best of all, clean-up is a breeze with granite – just wash with warm water and let dry. The sturdy matching pestle tapers out at the tip for greater crushing pressure and a more efficient production process. A handy garlic peeler and avocado slicer make prepping those favorite guacamole or salsa sides, muy rápido.
Who Should Buy This Molcajete Bowl?
This molcajete cooking set is n ideal choice for the budding chef who wants to explore the authentic side of Mexican cuisine. The handy accessories make prepping your favorite ingredients a quick, easy process.
Pros:
- Durable granite construction
- Non-porous interior
- Includes garlic peeler, avocado slicer, and spatula
- Unique, square shape
Cons:
- Not designed for volume production
Specs:
- Bowl material: Granite
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Capacity: 2 cups
- Maintenance: Hand-wash
7. Honorable Mention: ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set
The ChefSofi mortar and pestle set is a great gift for those still making up their minds about a molcajete. ChefSofi’s mortar has a 2-cup capacity, and measures 6 by 6 by 6 inches. Both the pestle and the mortar are made from unpolished grey granite for a traditional, Italian-style look. All told the mortar weight just over 7lbs. This means you won’t have to worry too much up slippage while grinding your spices, aromatics or the like. The pestle itself is about 6.5 inches long to allow about 1-2 inches of grip on the handle.
Pros
- Unpolished grey granite.
- 2 cup (500ml) capacity
- Good weight at 7lbs
- Free refund through the manufacturer (although Amazon require you to pay shipping)
Cons
- The mortar is deep enough that it can be tricky to work with a short pestle.
- Likely uses a granite blend coupled with a binding agent – not as long lasting or durable as untreated granite.
What Are the Benefits to a Using a Molcajete Bowl?
Be prepared to kick the flavors of your favorite dishes up to restaurant-worthy when you start using a molcajete bowl. With this simple mortar and pestle, you can break down any of your hard spices such as peppercorns, cardamom, allspice, or cloves, to reveal their true, full flavors – then toss those store-bought spices that lose their potent punch after sitting for months on grocer shelves. Crush foods such as garlic, avocado, and ginger to your preferred consistency, or use it to turn small seeds such as flax or cumin, into fine, flavorful powders. This simple hand grinder has endured for a reason: it’s fast, easy to use, and produces better results than any modern food processor ever could.
What to Look for When Buying a Molcajete Bowl
Construction
These bowls were originally carved from a single block of volcanic rock. Today, this type of fabrication can still be found along with other materials that allow for greater versatility and easier maintenance. To start, you’ll want an appropriately rough surface that can make quick work out of processing both softer foods and spices. If you opt for basalt (or volcanic rock) it will need greater maintenance to keep foods free from the tiny grains of grit that can appear as this material naturally breaks down and sheds some of its surface. If you still like the idea of a real stone, granite options are a great alternative that continue to offer the coarse unfinished interior needed for grinding, but without the same care requirements.
Ease of Use
Both the beauty and the challenge of working with the molcajete bowl is the rough interior that requires seasoning before use followed by appropriate cleaning, after each use. For those made from true natural stone – particularly volcanic rock – plan to rinse with water, scrub with a brush, then grind down a handful of raw rice or rock salt into a fine powder. What you’re watching for is any grit from the unfished surface. When the grind produces a pure, grit-free powder, your bowl is ready for use. And when it comes to washing, don’t use soaps or commercial cleaners. These can lodge within the natural crevices and taint your next grind. Simply soak in warm water, scrub clean, then let it air dry thoroughly – often up to 12 hours.
Bottom Line
For those who love uncovering the freshest flavors possible from their spices, seasonings, fruits, and vegetables, then hand-grinding is the way to go. Unlike the modern food processor where you simply press a button and hope for the best, using a molcajete bowl and pestle allows you to break foods down to their ideal consistency – whether a coarser grind of peppercorn or a finer powder of cumin. For a fraction of the cost of an electric processor, you regain total control of the taste and textures of your favorite dishes.
FAQs
What is a molcajete in English?
Simply put a molcajete is the Spanish word a specialized South American mortar and pestle. However, it differs from in several key aspects. The first of these is its materials and intended use. A molcajete is made of, traditionally, volcanic stone. This is a more porous surface than a typical mortar and pestle. This is because molcajetes are seasoned much like a cast iron pan. One of the big advantages to a molcajete is its ability to elevate your salsas and guacamole by grinding rather than chopping, and taking advantage of the ability to aerate your sauces.
What is a molcajete usually made of?
Molcajetes are traditional made with a porous volcanic stone. Because of this molcajetes need to be “cured” rather than “seasoned.” This means that you want to use rock salt or dry white rice plus the pestle, or mano, to work out the grit from the stone. You’ll know you’re on the right track when your rice or salt begins to turn. Repeat with a fresh batch of either until no discolouration occurs.
How do you clean a molcajete?
Molcajetes are delicate tools, despite being made from volcanic rock. Like cast iron you need to be mindful of protecting its freshly cured, or seasoned, surface. As such make sure to only ever hand wash with warm water. Remember, volcanic rock is porous. If you use soap it will not only ruin the cure, but also work itself into the stone itself thereby adding an alarmingly soapy note to everything you make. Use a stiff brush to scrub out any particularly tough spots of food. Finally wiped any excess water aside and sit aside to air dry.
How do you season a molcajete?
Seasoning, typically called curing, a molcajete can be done in one of two ways – using salt or white rice. Volcanic stone has a significant amount of grey-black grit, or small particles that can enter your food. White rice and salt will both pick up this grit as your work them with the mano, or pestle. Keep adding and removing either substance until the rice or salt comes back white with no grit. This means you’ve effectively scrubbed away any bits of volcanic rock for a smooth, slightly aerated work surface.
What is the difference between a molcajete and a mortar and pestle?
The biggest difference between a molcajete and a mortar and pestle come from the materials and techniques for keeping them in cooking-shape. As mentioned above molcajetes are typically made from volcanic stone while a mortar and pestle can be made from stone, wood, or ceramic – the latter for medical use. Molcajetes also need to be cured in a specific way due to their material – see above for more detail.