Mortar & Pestle

The mortar and pestle are ancient tools that no modern kitchen should be without—they're handy for everything from cracking peppercorns and bruising fresh herbs to making sauces such as pesto, as well as marinades, spice pastes, and dry rubs. Here, Valerie Aikman-Smith brings you an array of enticing recipes from around the world, all of which employ a mortar and pestle to bring creative seasoning and exciting new techniques to your home cooking. Beef can be made mouth-watering when prepared with an African Smoke Rub. Options for Lamb include a Pomegranate and Harissa seasoning, while, in the Poultry chapter, choose Jamaican Jerk Chicken or Portuguese Piri Piri Poussin. For those who love a lighter option and the enticing aroma of grilled Fish, try Spiced Red Snapper with Chermoula or Grilled Lobsters with flavoured butters. Vegetarian ideas include Grilled Courgette Flowers with Shiso Lemon Salt and Roasted Cauliflower with Walnut Romesco.