Molcajete
Molcajete
Molcajete
Molcajete
Molcajete

Ubiquitous in kitchens across Mexico, the Molcajete is a mortar and pestle made of fine-grained lava rock used for grinding spices and chiles, and preparing salsas, guacamole, and more. We partnered with artisan Don Enrique of San Salvador El Seco, Puebla, on a design that'll not only produce the ideal texture and consistency for our favorite dishes, but also look great displayed on the kitchen counter.

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Details+
Outer diameter: 9”; inner diameter: 6.5”
Height: 5.25”
Weight: 20 lbs
3 cup capacity
A Note on Variations: Due to the artisanal nature of every piece, there may be natural and unique variations and imperfections in basalt color and porosity. A true testament to nature itself, pieces of cooled lava (showing up as in quartz within each slab of basalt) may also appear. Enrique calls these pieces corazón de piedra (heart of the rock) and these surprise elements are considered especially prized within the cantero community.
Usage+
For best results, we recommend seasoning each molcajete before use. To season, add approximately 1/2 cup of uncooked white rice to the bowl. Using as much of the bowl’s surface area as possible, grind the rice into a rough powder. Empty the powder, rinse, and repeat the process until the resulting rice powder maintains its original color with no tint of gray.
Consider placing a towel under your molcajete during use, in order to prevent scratching of your table or countertop surface.

Rock of Ages

Artisans who work with stone are proud of their craft, and are called canteros. Don Enrique (center right), who comes from a lineage of canteros, has been making molcajetes since he was around 13 years old, and the over twenty years of experience have made him a master in his craft. It’s a fine art shaping a molcajete, there are a variety of tools one uses at each stage, and certain weight to be attributed to each. One wrong plunk, and the sculpted rock cracks. Don Enrique has given the the Masienda Molcajete a contemporary feel, with its sleek, rounded design and stocky legs, making for not only a chic kitchen companion, but also a more steady and sturdy one, too.

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