Molcajete
(Pronounce "mol-ka-HE-teh)
Molcajetes are hand carved out of volcanic rock, and are the traditional
implement used for grinding spices in Mexico. It needs to cured by the following
method: Wash the molcajete well with soap, water, and a brush. Fill the
bowl with uncooked rice (some prefer uncooked hard corn kernels), and wet slightly (this prevents the rice from flying out). Grind rice with the ajolote (pronounce: ah-ho-LO-teh), the pear shaped rock included. Keep grinding rice, and changing to new rice
until the rice looks clean. The rice is sanding the interior of the bowl smooth. Although this is a long process, once the interior is smooth, you never have to cure the molcajete again. And even the most ancient of these kitchen implements will occasionally give up a little grit.
Tip: Above is the traditional method for curing a molcajete. However, we have found that using a wire brush to cure the molcajete proves more successful. You can find wire brushes at your hardware store. We buy one made by Rubbermaid, that has a plastic handle, and a 2" square head with wire bristles. Rinse the molcajete with water, then scrub the interior clean with the brush, occasionally rinsing out the loosened grit. This "modern" method of curing takes about 30 minutes to an hour of total scrubbing time. The traditional method can take several cleaning sessions over the course of a few days.
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