Molcajete facts for kids
A molcajete (say: mol-ka-HET-eh) and its grinding tool, the tejolote (say: teh-ho-LO-teh), are special stone tools from Mexico. They are like a mortar and pestle, used to crush and grind different foods. Think of them as a super-strong bowl and a stick, perfect for making tasty salsas and guacamole!
What is a Molcajete?
The molcajete has been used for thousands of years by ancient cultures in Mesoamerica. These include the Aztecs and Maya.
Molcajetes are usually carved from a single piece of basalt rock. This rock is a type of volcanic stone. They are typically round and stand on three short legs. Many molcajetes are decorated with a carved animal head on the outside. The most common animal is a pig. This makes the molcajete look like a cute, short, three-legged animal!
The matching grinding tool is called a tejolote. It is also made from the same basalt rock.
How to Use and Care for a Molcajete
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Molcajetes are great for crushing spices. They are also perfect for making fresh salsas and guacamole. The rough surface of the basalt stone is excellent for grinding. It stays rough over time because tiny bubbles in the rock keep the texture fresh.
When you get a new basalt molcajete, you need to "break it in." This is also called "seasoning" it. Small bits of basalt can come off when it's new. This can make your food gritty. To season it, grind uncooked white rice in the molcajete a handful at a time. Keep grinding until the rice flour looks clean, with no tiny rock bits. Then your molcajete is ready to use!
Because the basalt stone is porous, it can absorb flavors. This means molcajetes can "season" over time, like cast iron skillets. They can carry over flavors from one dish to another. Salsas and guacamole made in a molcajete have a special texture. Some people also say they have a slightly different flavor than those made in a blender.
Molcajetes can also be heated up. You can place them over an open fire or hot coals. Then, you can use them to keep food warm. They hold heat for a long time because of their heavy stone material. It's common for a dish served in a hot molcajete to still be bubbling half an hour later!
While real molcajetes are made of basalt, some fakes exist. These are sometimes made from a mix of concrete and volcanic rock pieces.
Images for kids
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Grinding in a molcajete. San Juan Achiutla, Oaxaca, México.
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"Salsa de molcajete".San Juan Achiutla, Oaxaca, México.
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Molcáxitl with flower petal decoration, from San Salvador el Seco, Puebla, México.
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Well used tripod molcajete, origin unknown.
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Tripod molcajete with a pig's head decoration, from San Salvador el Seco, Puebla, México. This is a popular model in taco shops in México City.
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A complete set of tools for a traditional kitchen. It shows a molcajete (stone mortar) and a metate in the front. Also seen are a comal, a palm tenate, and a clay pot. This photo is from San Juan Achiutla, Oaxaca, México, 2020.
See also
In Spanish: Molcajete para niños
