The mortar and pestle story is excellent — I loved seeing the patent application illo of the Robot Coupe! Super interesting all the way through. Well done.
Literally loved this so much and am now a subscriber! But curious on one point: You mention that mortar and pestle were not important to food culture in Europe, but I feel like you must mean that comparatively? Obviously foods like pesto, aioli and other emulsions (hummus maybe even?) are hallmarks. Were they not traditionally made with a pounding implement? (I could very much be wrong, but am curious!)
You're absolutely right that European cooks have traditionally used mortar and pestle, for pesto and other emulsions, as well as for crushing dry spices, but I'd say they occupy a less prominent place.
I'm not sure I've seen hummus made in mortar and pestle, but kibbeh is, and in giant ones at that.
Whereas in Southeast and South Asia they're used on a near daily basis for staple foods.
The mortar and pestle story is excellent — I loved seeing the patent application illo of the Robot Coupe! Super interesting all the way through. Well done.
Credit for the illo goes to the fabulous folks at theprepared.org!
Literally loved this so much and am now a subscriber! But curious on one point: You mention that mortar and pestle were not important to food culture in Europe, but I feel like you must mean that comparatively? Obviously foods like pesto, aioli and other emulsions (hummus maybe even?) are hallmarks. Were they not traditionally made with a pounding implement? (I could very much be wrong, but am curious!)
Thank you! Happy to have you here.
I do mean comparatively.
You're absolutely right that European cooks have traditionally used mortar and pestle, for pesto and other emulsions, as well as for crushing dry spices, but I'd say they occupy a less prominent place.
I'm not sure I've seen hummus made in mortar and pestle, but kibbeh is, and in giant ones at that.
Whereas in Southeast and South Asia they're used on a near daily basis for staple foods.
Hullo Tse Wei, I'd like to discuss a couple of projects (one small and the other bigger) with you. Please contact me at the email given in my profile.