Grind Pepper Using a Mortar and Pestle
Everybody knows that freshly ground pepper is the only way to go. It has a much better aroma and flavor than pepper purchased ground. For the very best ground pepper, use a mortar and pestle rather than a pepper grinder. It really does come out differently.
Steps
- Place about two teaspoons of black peppercorns in the mortar.
- Crack the seeds with the head of the pestle until they are broken.
- Begin to grind with smooth movements until you have reduced the mixture to a powder.
- Angle the pestle against the mortar to get the chunks that resist grinding.
- Place the pestle evenly over the pieces that don't break. Use an even motion to drag the against the mortar.
- Continue until you have broken the last pieces and the texture is even.
Tips
- Don't apply too much pressure when you are breaking the peppercorns. Since they are round, they may tend to fly out of the mortar.
- Use only a reasonable amount of pepper at a time. If you use too much pepper, depending on the size of the mortar, you will have problems getting to a uniform powder.
Warnings
- The movements should be cyclic and smooth. Otherwise, you may end up with pepper in your eyes, which is dangerous.
