This type of clay "Laos" mortar and pestle set is part of every traditional kitchen in the Northeast of Thailand (Issan) and in Laos. In Laos the mortar is called
cloke and pestle
sok. This clay set is a must have tool for making
Som Tom, spicy papaya salad.
This larger size mortar is suitable for serious cooks, parties, restaurants and catering. The mortar is made of baked clay with an unglazed inside, which facilitates the mixing and mashing up of the ingredients. It is large enough so that you can easily pound fresh chili peppers into shredded mango or green papaya to make Som Tom Salad.
Be sure to keep your mortar and pestle clean by occasionally sanitizing it. After washing utensils with warm water and soap, dip into a solution of one part bleach to five parts water, then air dry. Do not rinse or wipe off immediately to allow time for the bleach to act.
From time to time inspect it for cracks. Cracks are easily detected by holding the mortar by its base and tapping the rim. If the sound is clear and not muffled it most likely has no cracks. If it develops a crack, discard it and purchase a new one. Food particles can easily remain in fine cracks and have the potential of breeding food borne germs. A good Thai mortar and pestle is a relatively inexpensive item.
See more mortar and pestles.
(approx. 9" width, 8" height; pestle, solid wood, 14" length)
