Doug Kanter wrote:
> "PastaLover" > wrote in message
> news:dr2pf.213$Cw5.106@fed1read05...
>
>>I was out doing some Christmas shopping today. Was in Cost Plus World
>>Market. They had a stainless steel mortar and pestle; the label says "made
>>in India" and the little cardboard label inside the mortar said it was a
>>fixture of Indian cuisine for centuries.
>>
>>It's not rounded on the bottom; more squared off like a pot. The pestle is
>>heavy stainless and has a conical end that fits in the square of the
>>bottom edge.
>>
>>I did a web search--all the metal mortars I found are rounded, just like
>>my existing stone one.
>>
>>Does anyone know about this Indian style and what special uses it would be
>>used for?
>>
>>Yes, before anyone asks, I bought it (only $10). Can always use another
>>kitchen gadget! And I've got a collection of other stainless steel kitchen
>>tools/toys. But I am curious what I can use it for. I'm assuming for just
>>about anything I'd use the normal stone one for, but are there any special
>>uses?
>
>
> I didn't know stainless steel was a common material centuries ago. But
> anyway.....isn't a mortar supposed to have an interior surface with a matte
> (not-glossy) surface, so whatever you're grinding doesn't slip away from the
> pestle?

All I said was what was written on the tag, not that it was correct...

Granted, stainless steel probably hasn't been a common matieral for
centuries. And I wondered the same thing about the glossy surface--hence
my question. I wondered if it was traditionally used for something that
didn't need to be ground too fine, or maybe something sticky, like a
paste or something.

If nothing else, it looks damn cool!