How to cure a MOLCAJETE

Owning a Molcajete is owning a piece of history in many ways. Molcajetes date back centuries and have definitely transcended the test of time. They are a key member of any Mexican kitchen. It does not matter how simple your meal is; a salsa, guacamole or simply grinding spices made in this Mexican treasure will take your meal to the next level. Today I will be teaching you how to cure one of these beauties. I hope you find joy in this experience as much as I do.
Check out Villa Cocina Español (Videos in Spanish) / @villacocinaespanol
🌟PRODUCTS IN THIS VIDEO
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
➤ Molcajete: amzn.to/3lIKdot
(The molcajete I purchased is 8'' in diameter)
➤ Brush Escobeta de Raiz/ Root brush: amzn.to/3h5Tvrb
➤ Palm Brush (dish brush): amzn.to/3gVJZXl
➤ Chefs men/women half apron: amzn.to/3cBqQrx
How to cure a Molcajete
Rice + salt as needed
Grind until the rice powder comes out clean, free of small rocks and debris (About 8 times)
Recipe for salsa- 8'' molcajete
Roma tomatoes 1 lbs
Serranos 2 ea or 1 ea Jalapeño
Garlic, cloves 1 ea
Salt to taste
Toppings: Diced onion and chopped cilantro.
Other items in my kitchen
Pyrex glass bowl set of 3 : amzn.to/2NyauWx
OXO wooden spoons: amzn.to/3ggykCO
OXO White cutting board: amzn.to/30xvi82
Microplane Classic Zester/Grater Black : amzn.to/39Ls9Vc
OXO Nylon tool set 4-piece : amzn.to/312iIwy
OXO potato smasher: amzn.to/2ZCOO2t
OXO 6-inch fine mesh strainer: amzn.to/3h1pDNs
AZEUS Digital food scale: amzn.to/30dtgu0
OXO 11-inch balloon whisk: amzn.to/2Y7esKM
Other recipes:
Carnitas: • CARNITAS recipe | The ...
Salsa for tacos: • AUTHENTIC Mexican sals...
Refried beans: • REFRIED BEANS recipe- ...
Mexican Rice: • How to make MEXICAN RI...
Carne Asada: • How to make CARNE ASAD...
Guacamole: • How to make the freshe...
Salsa: • AUTHENTIC MEXICAN SALS...
KZbin (Spanish videos) (Videos en español):
/ @villacocinaespanol
Facebook: / villacocinaofficial
Instagram: / villacocinaofficial

[@carolyn5712]

Hello and thanks for this video! I looked at the Molcajete on your amazon link, it says that it is 5 inches in diameter. The one you are curing in this video seems much larger. I would like to purchase it through your amazon link, but I am concerned about the small size? Thanks!

[@VillaCocina]

Hi Carolyn, thanks for pointing this out. The one I purchased is the 8'' in diameter. If you click the drop down where the size specifications is it will list all the sizes. Hope this helps.

[@carolyn5712]

Thank you so much! 💕

[@SirPhilMcCrackinVonBeggington]

Carolyn where are you seeing the link? I do not see it in the description. Could you reply here with it? I'm dying to get one of these.

[@rosalindaguerrero254]

@@SirPhilMcCrackinVonBeggington You can find them in any Mexican markets , stores, l got mine at Vietnamese , Mexican market.

[@annetteacciaio8111]

When not in use. It can double as a fruit bowl.

[@jonnyrox116]

My mother bought one at a yard sale in Tucson back in the '60s, it was engraved on the bottom with the name "Renata" . when she passed away she left it to my oldest sister who was curious about the engraving, she did some online research and found that Renata was an export company out of Mexico City that went out of business in 1903!

[@babynieve9612]

Wow 1903

[@viviangonzalez2520]

Woaaaaahhhh

[@Elena-kc3vw]

So cool!

[@SusanaLabadie]

What a lucky sister!!!

[@oldschoolfunkster1]

I bought one a couple of years ago and have yet to use it. Glad I found out I have to do this process first. Main reason I bought it though was to have it as a reminder of my heritage roots, where I came from. I have lots of modern cooking equipment in my kitchen, but the molcajete is a humble reminder of my culture and who I am. I remember my mother making her chile de molcajete and I'd swear there was something magical that this stone brought to the flavor. It was a 1000 times better than making salsa in a blender. There had to be a majestical reason for the difference. Thank you for the simple to follow instructions. I'll be looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger after I'm done. Lol.

[@mikegonzales8435]

A fun fact. Not only does the Volcanic rock add to the flavor. A fine grind actually breaks up the ingredients even better then a blender. A blender will cut it all up. A Molcajete will break it into small bits bringing out more flavor.

[@r8tr273]

I bought your molcjete as a gift for my wife. We love making authentic salsas. We’re just learning and I so enjoy your channel. I’m glad I didn’t just start making salsa. I had no idea I had to season it. Ill begin the process today.

[@Cardelrey]

Thanks for this video! We’re Honduran but we love Mexican food and have lots of Mexican friends. My mom was gifted one from Mexico and I loved it so much, that she asked her friend to bring me one from Mexico. It’s been sitting in my kitchen counter for months now. Now I know exactly how to cure it thanks to this video. 🥰

[@Mary95191]

Thank you so much for making this video. My stepmother bought me one about 30 years ago. I never knew how to make it smooth, as hers is. I didn’t realize I was supposed to season it. Now I do! I know things taste better using these. I still have it and will do this and use it!

[@ploopieflooper]

Thank you SO MUCH for your loving and fun video

[@viviangonzalez2520]

Your research was awesome 👏🏼

[@Smurfe04]

Excellent demonstration. I received a molcajete today from Amazon that came damaged. I remembered your video and ordered the one shown in this video. I hope this one is as nice as the one in this video. I will use your technique shown here to cure mine when I get one that satisfies me. Thank you for the effort to share your knowledge with us.

[@jules4626]

Thank you for having this video. You are the reason I brought my first Molcajete. I make your salsa recipes weekly for my family. Thank you!!!

[@foodiejeanne5138]

Wow! I bought a molcahete several years ago in Texas, to show to my public school Spanish students. Now I can cure it and really use it to make salsas!

[@VillaCocina]

Love it!!! Perfect timing 👌🏻

[@MadisonFalcoFoods]

I’m watching multiple videos on how to do this because I just got one from my friend in Mexico and I’m too excited! Thanks for posting

[@ralph4840]

Rosanna makes this look so easy and beautiful! But be prepared to invest a lot of elbow grease! I stretched my eight rice grinds over a couple of days. Thanks for the great instruction, I love your channel!

[@josephmarciano4761]

Thank you Chef Rosa (hope I got your name right) for generously sharing your recipes and family's knowledge of Mexican cooking. I value your videos and recipes just as much as the ones from Chef Rick Bayless and the other professional restaurant chefs!

[@patlawler5532]

Thank you for the lesson. I bought a mocajete similar to yours, but was surprised by the the finish, and didn't want to serve food prepared in it. It's nicely seasoned now. I also realized I should not pick an argument with a woman who can cure a mocajete! ;)

[@VillaCocina]

Well said 😅

[@MindfulFocusByLyn]

I just received one as a gift and I’m so excited!

[@BradSchmor]

Thank you so much for this video. This white boy is wild about Mexican food and since I invested in a nice, genuine molcajete I have been trying to find the right way to do it. Looking so much forward to making even yummier food in it.

[@SpaceMiner007]

I just seasoned my new molcajete using the salt/rice grinding technique l learned from your vid. Sourced from Amazon, l choose the one with a flat base - no 3 legs. Its a 7x2.5 deep model. Guacamole time! Thanks, Rosanna.

[@WhyWouldYouDrawThat]

Excellent video. Thank you. You managed to answer all my question without me asking. Both sides, keeping the bench and sink scratch free, not using soap, how many times should i expect to repeat, etc. I 100% agree about the art and history side of it. Food enjoyment is about more than once sense. And the experience of authentic cooking - delicious!

[@Mega-knight_55]

Mine is coming in the mail!!!! I got it as a surprise for my husband I can’t wait to use it!

[@VillaCocina]

Wonderful! have fun

[@hugdeath929]

I bought one and I’m glad I haven’t used it yet. I didn’t realize I was supposed to season it. Thanks!

[@VillaCocina]

Glad I could help!

[@britt4437]

This is a good video! I appreciate you're explaining thoroughly and giving the names of kitchen items in Spanish. I'm going to get a molcajete soon. I can't wait to make salsas and guacamole like your recipes.

[@randmayfield5695]

You have a definite knack for teaching. I have learned much from your videos. Thank you.

[@VillaCocina]

Im glad I can be of help

[@LukeA1223]

Gracias! You're so much faster than I am... I barely got started and you were finished grinding 8 times? Wow, I'm impressed!

[@VillaCocina]

😂 now that you mention it, Im impressed as well.

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Thank you! Thank you! I needed to know this, I just bought one of these but haven't used it yet. I was not sure what to do before using it so I thank you very much!

[@adamfink8958]

Thank you for sharing your passion with everyone of us. I am excited to use mine and feel confident now that I have watched your video! I can’t wait to make some of the salsas from your other videos as well. Hope you’re doing well!

[@BBQPITDOG]

Just got my first one this week. Thank you so for providing the real information that I needed! Take care!

[@marleyeve51]

Found your channel when we bought our molcajete. Thank you for such clear directions. Looking forward to following your channel!

[@bryane.glover7407]

Your channel is amazing and a pleasure to watch! Love your recipes and the authenticity and joy you bring to what you do. I'm now convinced to get a molcajete...once I feel up to the curing process. LOL. Thank you.

[@guysolis5843]

Good video..Very thorough and I'm glad you mentioned not to use soap. I got my first molcajete today for my birthday. Thanks..

[@kristinacastanon5961]

Very helpful. Thank you so much. I appreciate my Molcajete even more after listening to the history

[@Lishamisha22]

I think I know what my next purchase and project is!! Thank you so much for showing the process on how to cure it. ✨

[@larrylittle6596]

I got one for Christmas!!! So excited.

[@juulio24]

I got a molcajete as a gift but i knew i had to do something to it but i didn't know what!! Thanks for this video 👍🏼

[@VillaCocina]

You’re very welcome!

[@Ldm0320]

I purchased one today. This vid is super helpful. Thank u :)

[@mizzballinmama]

I just bought one of these. So excited to make some salsa 😋

[@VillaCocina]

Awesome! enjoy

[@acooknamedMatt]

Awesome

[@luisfernandotorreslopez7984]

Thank you so much for that video!!! I messed up and used mine right away yesterday, and got little rocks in the salsa. 😁

[@viviangonzalez2520]

Lol 😂

[@viviangonzalez2520]

I would have been sooo pissed lol 😂

[@Kat-wo9tv]

Awesome! I just bought my first Molcajete and I cannot wait to get started!! This video has perfect direction!

[@VillaCocina]

Glad it was of help 😊

[@strawberrystains3190]

this is so beautiful I got my first one last night I am so in love with the process of curing !!!!

[@VillaCocina]

It can be relaxing when appreciated for sure!

[@Mickcotton]

I have a Molcajete just like that 😋🇲🇽 Thank You So Much 😊 Muchas Gracias

[@Harrell423]

Thank you so much. I'm gonna check to see if you have any good recipes for spice options

[@bradmiller9993]

Just ordered the 8'' version. Can't wait to make salsa! Thanks....

[@VillaCocina]

Congrats!!!!! Enjoy your molcajete

[@saraspud]

Thank you for this video! It was very informative, and I love that you gave us the chance to admire the history of this amazing tool. :)

[@VillaCocina]

Glad you liked it ❤️

[@es2056]

You can cut down the amount of curing with the rice and salt by taking your molcajete to a power wash car wash. I did the cure only three times and then went to the car wash and blasted it with the wand using only the rinse setting (no soap) for about 5 minutes. Take along a rubber mat to set the molcajete on the ground to protect it. I then took it home rinsed it well let it dry and did a final test with the rice and salt and the ground mixture came out clean. And yes I did get a few strange looks, lol.

[@christopherfoster4029]

Love your channel..especially the authentic Mexican recipes!!! Hope there's more soon. Thank you 😀

[@VillaCocina]

Glad you enjoy the recipes. Yes for sure there is more ☺️

[@Gottaculat]

To be less wasteful, I used some water in mine, no rice or salt, and let the granite do the work. It creates a stone slurry that acts like a natural buffing compound, and will get your stone smoothed/polished very well. I finished mine with the rice and salt, anyway, to pull out the little loose powders in the tiny, microscopic nooks and crannies. A lot less work, and less wasteful, while giving you a natural wear pattern.

[@marialeonorcarrillo9377]

Lovely and clesr explanation.. ThnkU.

[@sherriruiz339]

Thank you for this tutorial. I just bought my first molcajete today ..Sherri-Payette Idaho

[@VillaCocina]

Wonderful! Glad I can help!

[@amc2510]

I had no idea about curing. I just washed mine with with and brush before using twice. My Nana had one and she must of cured way before I was born. Yikes! Anyway I cure it now. Thanks for the video.

[@askarsfan2011]

Thanks so much for this video. I always wondered how to care for a Molcajete.

[@domianabattah-miari8921]

I am definitely getting one today! I did not know that you have to season it! Thank you so much for the great video:)

[@VillaCocina]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kenishahammond3935]

This video was very helpful.Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

[@txrick4879]

I have one from a old couple that passed away and I rented the house and still have it . The older the better .

[@rachelthompson3168]

Thank you chef Rosanna for sharing, and I'm subscribed because I appreciate you're teaching me how to cook I didn't learn much of anything growing up I will be buying a molcajwta and brush, but I remember you said not to use dish soap,so how do I clean it after each use, do I just use water an the brush to keep the flavor in the molcajwta? Thank you again!

[@aloha3337]

I'm ordering my first Molcajete now. I'm looking for a large one as your recipe's seem Delicious and more is always better.

[@solobo5823]

Okay so I'm gonna go for the Molcajete! Thank goodness you only have to cure it once! Thank you so much!

[@h2u910]

Thank you for this video. Quite helpful information for curing mine

[@kathleenelliot5305]

Thank you, just bought one and needed to know how to cure it.

[@BramptonGardener]

Thank you. I'm so excited I just got mine delivered today. Yay.

[@kimmykat9451]

thank you for all of the recipes you've made so far! The ones i've tried are so good! Maybe one day, can you teach how to make Tamales? :)

[@VillaCocina]

LOVE TAMALES ! which flavor is your favorite?

[@MichaelQuotesTheBible]

So grinding the rice and salt a few times might not even be enough to fully cure it. Thanks so much! I was worried I was doing something wrong.

[@davidmyers-wakeman5515]

We are so excited to use our new molcajete - thank you for this wonderful video!! 💙✨

[@VillaCocina]

Our pleasure! Congratulations on your molcajete!

[@azyasse1334]

Hi Thanks for this video I have no clue about curing it, I was about to buy one glad I watched your video!

[@rebeccasanford8607]

Hello from East Texas! Long Time subscriber…but somehow I missed this video! Very informative! You are VERY Appreciated

[@cryptog5543]

I've always wanted one of these. Can you link where to buy an authentic one? I'm in love with your recipes. I've tried and failed to a lot of your recipes but I chose the easy ones and work my way up. Gracias Amiga!!!

[@VillaCocina]

Hi there! you can find the link to this molcajete in the description box.

[@american236]

Whoops. I used mine, made some salsa all without prepping it. Glad I seen this video!!

[@robbryant3125]

very helpful, thank you! love your kitchen!

[@dicassobeats]

Great video, thank you for sharing. As the Molcajete collects tastes, will the spices of different cultures create a clash when making for example, Sala's or anything else? I also make a lot of Indian / Sri Lankan food and I'm worried that the difference in spices of cultures will create an unwanted taste?

[@brauliavalenzuela3195]

I have my grandmother’s molcajete. She had it since I was born. I am now 81 years young, I no longer have my grandmother. I do have great memories.

[@gusbecerra8116]

Thanks to your videos, I will be buying a molcajete to use in my future salsa recipes!

[@VillaCocina]

Wonderful!

[@johnsmall4318]

Magnificent! THANKS much ❤

[@BritoWorx]

Thank you for taking the time to create this video. I’ll be purchasing my first molcajete this weekend. Subbed!!

[@VillaCocina]

Welcome!!!

[@crappo8459]

Nicely done I’m getting one👍❤️

[@soapforhands]

thanks for the lesson!

[@VillaCocina]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ak_777-d5k]

I am considering buying a mortar and pestle set, would you say a Molcajete will do everything a mortar and pestle set can do and more, or is it worth having both? I am also thinking, if I’m going to be grinding, peppercorns, different seasons, eggs shells, etc should I solely grind these things in a mortar and pestle set and use a molcajete for more traditional uses? Forgive me if I sound ignorant to the versatility and uses of a molcajete, still learning about it.Thank you for the help!

[@elmerglue21]

I would say it’s worth having both, I think molcajetes are good for salsas and guacamole but you might want a regular wooden or granite mortar and pestle for making pesto

[@sabrinaaguilera7657]

Thank you for showing how to cute a molcajete good to know.

[@mconcaz]

Cure

[@Joey-ll9ry]

beautifully done. great information

[@bryanreichert1575]

I was given one of these as a gift and am super excited to use it. I’m trying to season it, but it’s SUPER POROUS with a few big holes. Do I need to fill them with rice or grind down until they are not as deep? Thank you!

[@andykay736]

Thanks so much for your excellent explanation!! Greatly appreciated!👏👌👍💟

[@VillaCocina]

My pleasure!

[@richardramero369]

The true old ways, was salt , garlic, and rice, you would grind, but most importantly, pound the salt , garlic, and rice into the pours , it was done with a little water, to make a paste, that after several times would stay in the pours of the rock..

[@SPenny-my4we]

Beautiful, Thank you so much!

[@VillaCocina]

The time has come! Learn how to cure your Molcajete. You will use endlessly.

[@ericl6816]

You need your own cable show 😁

[@VillaCocina]

@@ericl6816 So nice of you! Im glad you enjoy our videos!

[@gowrib8391]

👍

[@nuages7462]

Rosanna, thanks so much for this! I plan on using the links to purchase.

[@flukierobject0644]

When will you be on the major screen? You deserve it

[@WisdomCalls]

Thank you! Just what I was looking for

[@obrapro]

Great video. didn't think that was needed. Now to get one.

[@VillaCocina]

Glad I could help

[@captainspirou]

I have a Mediterranean style mortar and pestle which I love. I tried making salsa with it and it doesn’t really work that super well. It’s good for guacamole though. Now I need to get a molcajete

[@reggietisdale4550]

Sooo interesting. Good job for my grandkids lol!

[@VillaCocina]

😂

[@pinktink77vp]

Hiiii. I bought one and I think I partly cured it. When I washed it and dried it I noticed some areas were more black, and some stayed on the gray side. Does that mean the gray parts aren't completely cured? How do you get up to the top on the sides? Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer. I love your videos!

[@Wildersport]

My wife and I were gifted one as a wedding gift I should probably do this to it soon I know the value Of seasoning cast iron this shouldn't be much different.

[@MarvelousGaitan]

Thank you for this ❤❤

[@robertortega385]

Thanks for the great tips it was a awesome video ❤

[@Elletaria-t5s]

Thankyou so much for your instruction and advice 🌿💚

[@VillaCocina]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Elletaria-t5s]

@@VillaCocina yes, very helpful! :) Now I know how to season my molcajete that was given to me by my friend :)

[@jimbyrne9071]

Thank you!

[@joshuanitzinger5493]

Just brought one back from a missions trip to Mexico!😁😁 Would you recommend a round of garlic smash at the end?

[@kenwanless4533]

Hi. If I want to cook using my molcajete, do I season it differently? Should I use a different one for cooking than making salsa,etc?

[@gypsymaidens6247]

Thank you! Will this work when charcoal. Was used in one of them?

[@Straigo]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@Mickcotton]

Grinding the Rice in my new Molcajete is extremely difficult !! How long at grinding does it take to become powder? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank You So Much 😊 Muchas Gracias 🙏

[@anneschmidt5815]

Great instructions! Just bought one on line and it did not come with instructions 👍🏼😍

[@davidsawmandave8731]

Great , havent seen this process before , thanks , subbed

[@LogHewer]

Good info! Happy friday. 😁 Thanks for sharing.

[@VillaCocina]

Always a pleasure