Machacadora (Wooden Bean Masher) – Rancho Gordo

May 29,2024

The most wonderful thing that you had no idea that you wanted: the best tool for making refried beans (and a fine sauerkraut masher as well). We've been looking for a good machacadora for years. Who hasn't? Normally when you find them they are made of cheap pine and split even with oiling and care. This beautiful versi.

The most wonderful thing that you had no idea that you wanted: the best tool for making refried beans (and a fine sauerkraut masher as well).

We've been looking for a good machacadora for years. Who hasn't? Normally when you find them they are made of cheap pine and split even with oiling and care. This beautiful version comes from Michoacan and uses a local wood called granadillo that looks a little like pomegranate wood and only grows in the southern part of the state.

To make really memorable refried beans, saute white onion rings in some freshly rendered lard, bacon fat or olive oil. Obviously lard is the best choice here but olive oil is perfectly delicious, just not so authentic. When the onions are soft, add some beans and their broth. Allow to heat and then start running your machacadora along the bottom of the skillet. The bean, fat and onions will start to incorporate and you will start to salivate! Keep going until you have the texture you like. Smooth as velvet or chunky and rustic- you can't lose!

As if this wasn't enough, we can say this makes a great masher for making sauerkraut. After you slice through the cabbage and add salt, most recipes have you mash the mixture until the water starts to give. We tried a wood spoon and just about everything else in our kitchen only to end up frustrated and very tired. The machacadora was perfect.

These machadoras come with a honey wax finish that comes off with repeated use. There have been no stains used. With use they are still beautiful but a little different. We recommend using a thick mineral oil for cutting boards to help protect the wood.

Maestro Elíseo Tolentino made these using all different parts of the same Guamúchil tree, so each spoon can vary a lot. You'll have to take your chances, but these handmade treasures are all wonderful.

Not available for shipping to Canada.