How to Make a Pestle & Mortar

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By Risa Edwards
eHow Contributing Writer

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The pestle and mortar is a culinary tool that has been used for hundreds of years by people of many different cultures. It can be used to create a paste or to grind grains into flour. Pharmacists have also used a pestle and mortar to blend medication. It is difficult to make a professional-quality pestle and mortar unless you have access to rock-cutting tools, but you can create a makeshift one that can be used to make such foods as pesto and hummus.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Sturdy wood or granite bowl
Stone
Plastic wrap (optional)

Step 1

Choose a sturdy solid wood or granite bowl. Granite is best, but you can grind softer material in a wooden bowl.
Step 2

Find a small stone that you can hold comfortably in your hand. It must have a smooth, rounded end. Choose granite or marble, and avoid such materials as sandstone.
Step 3

Wipe clean the bowl and rock. Do not submerge them into water, as this can create an appealing space for germs.
Step 4

Place the food that is to be ground in the bowl. Cover the stone with plastic wrap, if you prefer. Grind the stone against the food in the bowl until the desired consistency is achieved.

Tips & Warnings

Purchase a stone pestle and mortar if you plan to do a lot of grinding. Food processors and coffee grinders can sometimes be used in place of a pestle and mortar.