One of the simplest and oldest tools in the culinary arsenal, Mortar and Pestle or as it’s colloquially called “Haawan Dasta” is the age-old kitchen staple for making herbal dips, chutney, and paste of spices. In the age of grinders, blenders, and juicers, a classic mortar and pestle is a rare sight in modern households but packs a number of benefits when it’s used correctly.
The classic Mortar and Pestle, as the name suggests itself, consists of two components: A Mortar and a pestle. Whatever you want to bash and squash, you throw it in the mortar, and the pestle does the job for you. While using the pestle, make sure your hands are safely gripping the top end of the pestle so as to avoid crushing your fingers in the process. The method of using a pestle involves holding it at an angle and then banging it against the surface of the mortar to crush the components in it.
The UseThe main reason for using a Mortar and Pestle is simple - Raw and rich flavour. Anything crushed, grinded, or made into a paste in an electronic appliance takes merely just chops, tears and blends the ingredients while also stripping away some of its natural flavours. Whereas the bashing and squashing motion of the pestle against the Mortar releases the most natural taste and aroma of what you are grinding.
The BenefitsThe main benefit of using a Mortar and Pestle for making a paste lies in its process. It crushes the plants or spices first, while the blade of the blender or grinder cuts it. If you want to get the maximum flavour and oil out of a clove of garlic or a basil leaf, crushing it in the Mortar is the preferred way. Sure, it takes a lot of time and strength. But all that hard work bears the sweetest fruit. Another benefit of a Mortar and Pestle is its sheer longevity. Whereas an electronic gadget will go through its natural wear and tear pretty soon and may last for a few years only.
The PitfallsDespite the world of benefits that this classic Kitchen tool offers, there are a couple of disadvantages too. First, it’s a bit heavy to carry around and may pose a risk of injuring your fingers or foot if it’s accidentally dropped. Secondly, due to its weight, it may be difficult to use with speed and precision at first. It takes some time to get used to this tool and use it with perfection. The angles required to crush the spices, the amount of force needed to make a paste, and the correct holding action - all take some amount of practice and time before you become a pro at it. Making a paste in large quantities becomes a challenging feat as well.
The TakeawayIf we compare the benefits of this classic Kitchen tool with its pitfalls, the former outweighs the latter. If you have strong arms, lots of time to spend in the kitchen and are passionate about food and flavours, Mortar and Pestle is the way to go. Unlock the richest flavours, better aromas, and maximum nutrients out of food ingredients and enjoy the best tasting food that you have ever made.
