If you are wanting to cook authentic Mexican foods, then there are some special equipment that you may need. Mexican cooking can be done without some of the equipment, but you will never get the true Mexican flavor without these utensils.
Mole is best made in a Cazuelas. This is a small bowl like pottery dish with handles that is used to simmer sauces. Clay is very good at dispersing heat and prevents hot spots where sauce is burnt. The handles make them easier to handle in open fires. The outside may be painted brightly and beautifully, while the inside is glazed. These clay pots look great when just setting on a shelf as decorations.
The Olla or Barro are also Mexican clay pots. These pots are very large and may be used for simmering beans, soups or stews. These pots offer even heating and can be heated all day long over an open flame. Remember that these pots are fragile and that quick changes in temperature can cause them to break.
Tortillas are cooked on a griddle called a Comel. This round griddle may be made of clay, cast iron or cast aluminum. The griddle is also used to roast chiles and vegetables. Sizes may vary and can be up to two feet across.
The Metate y Mano is a hand grinder that has been carved from lava rock or stone. We would call it a mortar and pestle. In Mexico, it is used for grinding corn or spices and foods may be mixed using the cylinder of stone. There are usually three legs that have been carved to hold the bowl upright.
The true mortar and pestle of Mexican cooking is the Molcajete y Tejolote. It may be made of clay, stone or even wood. It has a cylinder of the same material as the bowl, which has rounded ends and is used to crush spices and other foods to bring out the flavor.
The Molinillo is a wooden whisk that is used to make foam on top of a cup containing hot chocolate. The Molinillo is spun between your hands in order to form the foam.
A Tortillera or tortilla press can be made or wood, cast iron or even plastic resin. Presses can be found made of aluminum, but these should be avoided since they break easily. The press can have wood blocks or round plates. Mesa is prepared and rolled into a ball. The ball is pressed to make the tortilla.
Traditional Mexican cooking is time consuming. We are fortunate today that we can come very close to the original without taking all the time. Additionally, you may find utensils in your kitchen that will work in preparing Mexican food.
Another shortcut is to find a good quality Mexican bakery in your hometown. They will supply you with very high quality tortillas (in corn or flour) that will prevent you from having to grind your own corn or press your own tortillas. Why not enjoy some Mexican food tonight. - 29885
Mole is best made in a Cazuelas. This is a small bowl like pottery dish with handles that is used to simmer sauces. Clay is very good at dispersing heat and prevents hot spots where sauce is burnt. The handles make them easier to handle in open fires. The outside may be painted brightly and beautifully, while the inside is glazed. These clay pots look great when just setting on a shelf as decorations.
The Olla or Barro are also Mexican clay pots. These pots are very large and may be used for simmering beans, soups or stews. These pots offer even heating and can be heated all day long over an open flame. Remember that these pots are fragile and that quick changes in temperature can cause them to break.
Tortillas are cooked on a griddle called a Comel. This round griddle may be made of clay, cast iron or cast aluminum. The griddle is also used to roast chiles and vegetables. Sizes may vary and can be up to two feet across.
The Metate y Mano is a hand grinder that has been carved from lava rock or stone. We would call it a mortar and pestle. In Mexico, it is used for grinding corn or spices and foods may be mixed using the cylinder of stone. There are usually three legs that have been carved to hold the bowl upright.
The true mortar and pestle of Mexican cooking is the Molcajete y Tejolote. It may be made of clay, stone or even wood. It has a cylinder of the same material as the bowl, which has rounded ends and is used to crush spices and other foods to bring out the flavor.
The Molinillo is a wooden whisk that is used to make foam on top of a cup containing hot chocolate. The Molinillo is spun between your hands in order to form the foam.
A Tortillera or tortilla press can be made or wood, cast iron or even plastic resin. Presses can be found made of aluminum, but these should be avoided since they break easily. The press can have wood blocks or round plates. Mesa is prepared and rolled into a ball. The ball is pressed to make the tortilla.
Traditional Mexican cooking is time consuming. We are fortunate today that we can come very close to the original without taking all the time. Additionally, you may find utensils in your kitchen that will work in preparing Mexican food.
Another shortcut is to find a good quality Mexican bakery in your hometown. They will supply you with very high quality tortillas (in corn or flour) that will prevent you from having to grind your own corn or press your own tortillas. Why not enjoy some Mexican food tonight. - 29885
