We get so many wonderful compliments on our Molcajete, that this article is dedicated to it!
If you’re not familiar with a molcajete, it is a Mexican mortar and pestle. The term molcajete actually refers to the three-legged round bowl, which has been carved out of basalt. The pestle, which is known as the tejolote, has also been carved out of the same volcanic rock.
In the thousands of years that this ancient tool has been used, there haven’t been any changes to the core shape—it’s a timeless design. Though because it’s a squatty vessel with legs, molcajetes are sometimes carved into animal shapes such as a bull or a pig.
A molcajete is an extremely durable piece of cookware, so durable, in fact, that in Mexico people pass down their well-loved molcajetes to the next generation, just as Southerners pass down cast-iron cookware to their children and grandchildren. And this is the key: a molcajete only gets better with use, as it absorbs flavors and reflects these back into whatever you’re currently making. A well-seasoned molcajete also is smooth and is no longer in danger of shedding lava-rock grit into your food.
At Azul Tequila, we serve molcajete! Our molcajete is filled with cactus, grilled chicken, grilled steak, carnitas, chorizo, shrimp, green onions and chile toreado and served with rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream and tortillas. It’s been a customer favorite and we recommend coming in and trying it for yourself!
Azul Tequila Mexican Grill is located at 25387 Wayne Mills Place in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-254-5500 and visit www.mexicansantaclarita.com.