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.
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Hand carved, granite mortar and pestle. $24.95 at Crate & Barrel. 3104 Knox St. 214-634-2277. >>
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<< Carrara marble mortar with beechwood pestle. $80 at Williams-Sonoma. 51 Highland Park Village. 214-219-1753.
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Lava rock mortar and pestle. $12.50 at Oil & Vinegar. Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Pkwy. 972-788-2722. >>
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<< 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.
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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.
