Simply put, a molcajete is the Mexican version of mortar and pestle. But what does the word “Molcajete” mean, exactly? How do you pronounce it? Keep reading to discover the answers to these and other questions about molcajetes.
What Does “Molcajete” Mean?
A molcajete is a mortar and pestle made carved out of volcanic stone. Molcajetes are used in Mexico to make traditional salsas by grinding together ingredients that usually include chilli peppers, onions, garlic, tomato,
In general, salsas made in a molcajete are thicker and more flavorful than those made using traditional instruments like blenders or food processors.
Even if molcajetes may seem like primitive utensils, Mexicans continue to love them. There are towns in states like Jalisco, Puebla, and Michoacan, where artisans still carve molcajetes by hand.
So far so good. But what does “molcajete” mean? Molcajete is the result of combining two nahuatl words, molli (sauce or salsa) and caxitl (bowl, or cup). So you could translate molcajete as “salsa bowl.”
Other Interesting Facts About Molcajetes
In case you haven’t noticed, Mexico is in love with salsas and spreads. So much so that the word molli has given many other words in addition to “molcajete.” Other famous examples include mole and guacamole.
And while molcajetes are pretty well known, not everyone knows that the molcajete pestle has its own name. A molcajete pestle is known as tejolote, a word also derived from nahuatl where it means “stone cylinder.”
Over time, people have started to use “molcajete” not only as a noun but also as verbs as in “molcajetear” (infintive, “to molcajete something) or “molcajeteado” (participle, “molcajete’d”).
So for example, if a Mexican restaurant advertises “salsa molcajeteada,” they mean that the salsa they serve is been using a molcajete
Now, if you have trouble figuring out how to pronounce “molcajete,” try this: mowl·kuh·hay·tay. Or if you want to listen to a Spanish speaker pronouncing “molcajete,” this is a good example (she is saying “hoy vamos a curar un molcajete.”).
Sabukana: Unapologetically Embrace Yourself
Sabukana was created by two Latina sisters, Melanie and Scarlett, to celebrate their Latin roots and multicultural upbringing with a modern twist.
Our creations are made for people who unapologetically embrace their own. They represent our cultures, serving as a reminder of where we come from and who we are.