- A mortar and pestle is ideal for grinding dry spices to a powder. Cumin, coriander, mustard and other seeds and spices can easily and quickly be ground to a fine and even powder with a mortar and pestle.
- Pesto, the traditional basil, pine nut, parmesan and olive oil mixture, can be easily made in a pestle. In fact, pesto takes its name from the pestle.
- While it can be labor intensive, grinding nuts to a fine meal is another good use of a mortar and pestle. It may produce a finer meal than a food processor or grinder. It is also ideal if working with smaller quantities.
- If you need a fine paste of olive or garlic, a mortar and pestle is ideal. The heavy pestle will make quick work of this and you can easily combine ingredients in the mortar to blend them as you grind and mash.
- For perfect guacamole every time, skip the food processor. Use a mortar and pestle to combine spices, smashed avocado and lime juice for an ideal condiment or dip.
