This small suribachi is a Japanese mortar and pestle that’s great for grinding seeds and spices. Unlike other mortars, the stoneware bowl has tiny grooves on the inside that help to pulverise your ingredients.
As is traditional in Japan, the pestle - known as a surikogi - is made from smooth, lightweight wood that won’t wear away the grooves of the suribachi.
The suribachi is particularly good for releasing the natural oils and flavours of seeds and herbs. Here are some other ways you can use it:
Crushing whole spices, nuts and seeds
Pounding delicate herbs for pesto or chimichurri
Making guacamole, aioli and other smooth dips
For curry pastes and marinades
To crush garlic and chillies for stir-fries and dipping sauces
For homemade spice blends and rubs
This Japanese mortar and pestle is a unique birthday or housewarming gift for keen cooks. Once you try it, you will find a hundred different uses for it in your kitchen.