Difference Between Molcajete and Mortar and Pestle

The culinary industry is always evolving. New recipes are often prepared not to mention the availability of new and exciting kitchen appliances. If you love cooking, you may not go a day without thinking of a new kitchen appliance or tool that will be a perfect addition to your kitchen. Replacing old appliances with multifunctional, smart and versatile tools will not only increase your effectiveness but also reduce cooking time. A molcajete and mortar & pestle are some of the functional kitchen tools. But what is the difference between the two? 

What is Molcajete?

This is a traditional Mexican tool used to grind food ingredients. They are round in shape and are supported by three short legs hence gives the illusion of a stout, three-legged and short animal. 

Common since the pre-Historic Mesoamerican cultures, they are used to grind and crush spices. They are also used to prepare Mexican food such as Salsa. 

To use one, chop your ingredients, add them to the molcajete slowly and use the mano press to break down the food. If you have more ingredients to prepare, you should get a larger one as opposed to a small-sized one. 

What is Mortar and Pestle?

This is a kitchen tool used to grind and crush ingredients into powder or fine paste. Although mainly used in the kitchen, it can also be used in the pharmacy or laboratory. It consists of the mortar which is a bowl made of metal, hardwood, ceramic or hardstone and the pestle which is a blunt and heavy object.  

It can be used to ground dry or wet substances. 

In the kitchen, the mortar and pestle are used to grind spices, prepare oily or wet ingredients such as hummus. However, in the medical field, it is used to crush ingredients before the preparation of a prescription or to grind medicines that are in the form of pills. 

Although small mortar and pestles are more common, large ones are also available. They are commonly made of wood and are used to dehull and husk grain. 

Similarities between Molcajete and Mortar and pestle

• Both are used to grind and crush spices

Differences between Molcajete and Mortar and pestle

Definition

A molcajete refers to a traditional Mexican tool used to grind food ingredients. On the other hand, a mortar and pestle is a kitchen tool used to grind and crush ingredients into powder or fine paste. 

Outlook

A molcajete is wider and shallower. On the other hand, a pestle and motor is narrower and has more depth. 

Material 

A molcajete is made of mixed volcanic particles, basalt or pressed concrete. On the other hand, mortar and pestles can be made of metal, hardwood, ceramic or hardstone. 

Shape

While a molcajete is round in shape and is supported by three short legs hence gives the illusion of a stout, three-legged and short animal. On the other hand, mortar and pestles are round in shape which makes it easy to twist and grind the ingredients. 

Molcajete vs. Mortar and pestle: Comparison Table

Summary of Molcajete vs. Mortar and Pestle

A molcajete refers to a traditional Mexican tool used to grind food ingredients. It is wider, shallower and is supported by three short legs hence gives the illusion of a stout, three-legged and short animal. On the other hand, a mortar and pestle is a kitchen tool used to grind and crush ingredients into powder or fine paste. It is narrower, has more depth and is round in shape makes it easy to twist and grind the ingredients. 

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