What To Do If You Don't Have A Mortar And Pestle For A Recipe

The best methods for grinding spices

If you don't have a mortar and pestle, there's no need to resort to buying pre-ground spices. The purpose of this tool is to crush spices using a hard object against a solid surface. However, you can easily replicate this with a sturdy cutting board and a rolling pin. To avoid a mess, place a sheet of parchment paper on the cutting board, add the whole spices, and then cover them with another sheet of parchment paper. This will help contain the spices when you apply pressure. Next, use the rolling pin to crush the spices by pressing it down against the cutting board. Once crushed, you can also roll the pin over the spices to grind them further.

Other items can work as well, such as a meat mallet or even a wine bottle. If you choose to use a meat mallet, be sure to use the flat side rather than the sharp side, as the latter could puncture the paper and trap spices in the crevices. When using a wine bottle, start with the thicker bottom for crushing, then lay it on its side to roll over the spices, being careful not to break the glass.

You can also grind spices in a blender

The drawback of using a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush spices is that you may not achieve the desired fineness. Additionally, this method requires more physical effort. If you have a blender or food processor available, these appliances can also be used to grind spices effectively. A dedicated spice grinder is another excellent option.

However, one limitation of using a blender is its size; blenders typically require a larger volume to function properly. If you only need to grind a tablespoon of spices, a blender may be too cumbersome. A food processor is a better choice in this case, provided you have one that can handle smaller quantities. A coffee grinder operates similarly to a spice grinder, so if you own one, it’s definitely worth a try.

Once you determine the best method for grinding your spices, you can store them for years. While they begin to lose their essential oils quickly, they can remain usable for up to three years if kept in a cool, dry place at room temperature.