Batan (stone)

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The batan is a kitchen utensil used to process different kinds of foodstuf in bolivian cuisine. It has a flat stone (the batan proper) and a grinding stone calles uña. The uña is held in both hands and rocked over the food in the batan. Depending on the process wished, the uña's weight is slightly held back, let loose over, or pressed on. The rocking movement also vary depending on the procedure. The grinding is done dry or with water or oil.

In bolivian households many different dishes are prepared in this manner, in rural and urban areas. The most important use it has is for preparing llajwa. For many bolivians, it's not the same when done in a blender.

It is also used to husk grains, wash quinua from its alcaloid (saponin), grind grains, crush papa lisa and even to prepare small quantities of flour.

The use of the batan is so widespread, than you will find it in a smaller form among the kitchen appliances in any modern La Paz apartment building.