The Daily Grind
Using a mortar and pestle to grind your spices, herbs, and nuts is the best way to release their oils, and, when done carefully, it produces a finer and more flavorful result than using a food processor.
Hand carved, granite mortar and pestle. $24.95 at Crate & Barrel. 3104 Knox St. 214-634-2277. >>
<< Carrara marble mortar with beechwood pestle. $80 at Williams-Sonoma. 51 Highland Park Village. 214-219-1753.
Lava rock mortar and pestle. $12.50 at Oil & Vinegar. Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Pkwy. 972-788-2722. >>
<< Beechwood mortar and stainless steel pestle by designer Pil Bredahl. $145 at http://momastore.org.
Ready to Rub?
Here are the best places to shop for whole spices and herbs.
Worldwide Food
The city’s most extensive collection of Middle Eastern spices can be found here. 1907 Greenville Ave. 214-824-8860.
VT Market
Discover hard-to-find Asian herbs in the heart of the Oak Lawn area. 4305 Maple Ave. 214-443-9670.
Albaraka Halal Meat
Mad for masala? This Richardson shop’s Indian spices will open your eyes (and sinuses). 200 W. Polk St., Richardson. 972-680-1016.
Carnival Food Store
This Latin American market boasts bulk spices at cheap prices. 1800 N. Henderson Ave. 214-826-8470.
Penzeys Spices
Now this is one-stop shopping: more than 250 spices, seasonings, and herbs. If you need it, Penzeys has it. 12835 Preston Rd. 972-392-7777.