Machacadora (Wooden Bean Masher)

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 Guerrero and uses a local wood called Guamúchil.

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 it to heat, then start running your machacadora along the bottom of the skillet. The beans, 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 wooden spoon and just about everything else in our kitchen, only to end up frustrated and very tired. The machacadora was perfect.

These machadoras have a honey wax finish that wears 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 from different parts of the same Guamúchil tree, so each item can vary widely. You'll have to take your chances, but these handmade treasures are all wonderful. 

 Not available for shipping to Canada.