Large Chekku | Ural

     Big Chekku, also known as Ural, is a traditional oil extraction device widely used in South India. It consists of a large wooden or stone mortar and a heavy wooden pestle. This process is typically done manually, often by multiple people working together to operate the pestle.

Here are some of its uses:

1. 1. Grinding Spices: One of the primary uses of a ural is to grind spices. It's particularly useful for grinding whole spices like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, peppercorns, etc., to make fresh spice blends or powders.

   2. Making Pastes and Chutneys: The large size and sturdy construction of a ural make it ideal for grinding ingredients into pastes or chutneys. This includes ingredients like garlic, ginger, green chilies, coconut, and herbs like cilantro.

   3. Preparing Wet Masalas: Indian cuisine often involves the use of wet masalas, which are spice mixes combined with liquids like water, yogurt, or vinegar. A ural is perfect for grinding these wet masalas to the desired consistency.

   4. Crushing Herbs: If you're working with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or curry leaves, a ural can be used to crush them gently, releasing their flavors and aromas effectively.

   5. Making Batter: In South Indian cuisine, a ural is sometimes used to grind soaked rice and lentils to make batters for dishes like dosa, idli, and vada.

   6. Pounding Ingredients: Apart from grinding, the pestle of the ural can be used to pound ingredients like garlic cloves, ginger, or even meat, breaking them down to release flavors or tenderize them.

   7. Preparing Traditional Remedies: In addition to culinary uses, a ural is also used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) for grinding herbs and other ingredients to prepare herbal remedies and pastes for various ailments.

The versatility and durability of a ural make it a staple in Indian kitchens, especially for those who prefer traditional methods of cooking and grinding.