G’day folks.

A review of the mortar and pestle I ended up with was requested, and we’ve had it for a couple of weeks now so here it is. This is it, btw - https://www.kitchenwarehouse.com.au/product/gourmet-kitchen-granite-mortar-and-pestle-16cm

First impression - I was impressed by the size. This is a substantial unit. Of course the dimensions are on the website but I have a hard time visualising these things, and I’m used to things bought online showing up much smaller than my expectations. I didn’t have a banana but I took this pic with some regular items nearby for scale.

It came with seasoning instructions - grind half a cup of uncooked white rice, then some garlic, cumin, salt and pepper together. I did that bit. Grinding the rice made me glad I didn’t go for the wider, shallower one I was considering. Even with the deeper bowl quite a few grains escaped, but I don’t blame the bowl for that. Grinding up raw rice was a bit more work than I was expecting, but after a while I got into a groove and I discovered that the pestle is heavy enough I didn’t really need to apply much pressure, just swirl it around and it took care of business all on its own. Grinding the other things together was a lot easier and quicker and I had a garlic/cumin/salt/pepper paste in no time.

As for the most important test, the boss absolutely loves it, and her medicinal flower garden is terrified, though I think I might need to buy her a cauldron next! 🤣

Here she is grinding up some eggshells by the fire for the garden.

We’re very happy with the new addition to our kitchen. We have a ton of herbs growing as well as medicinal flowers and some plants like aloe vera and comfrey and the boss is very interested in making salves and what-not, so she loves playing with it.

Side note - I’ve been trying to find one of these in Australia for ages - https://www.etsy.com/au/market/kazan_afghan_pot

If anyone knows where I can get one in Australia (most of them ship from Afghanistan or Europe), especially somewhere with an online store, I’d be super appreciative!

Have a great weekend everyone!