Molcajete (mohl kah HEH teh) n. Spanish term for mortar, usually used with a pestle (tejolote) and also the name of a Mexican dish.
The Mexican mortar and pestle were traditionally made out of volcanic rock, and used for grinding and pulverizing spices and vegetables, and for making guacamole.
In some areas of Mexico a molcajete is also the name of a great lunch dish - a friend came across this on a recent trip to Acapulco. Cactus, carne asada steak strips, chorizo, cheso malena, and whole baby onions are served in a traditional mortar with tortillas for wrapping. The meat was seasoned with spices, and blackened to perfection.
