Spanish name: Molcajete
[[mohl-kah-HEH-teh ee teh-hoh-LOH-teh] ]
A rough, basalt stone mortar and pestle used for grinding spices, herbs and for making sauces. The molcajet is the traditional Mexican cooking tool for making salsas and guacamole.
According to an article by by Diego Delgado, "The word molcajete (mortar) derives from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs: “molli” (seasoning or sauce) and “caxitl” (bowl). The word tejolote (pestle) also derives from Nahuatl: “tetl” (stone) and “xolotl” (doll)."
Foods traditionally prepared in the molcajete include salsas and mole's (mohl-LAY), as well as guacamole. It is also used for grinding chilies, garlic or other herbs and spices for food preparation.