Khal Nuri
খল-নুড়ি
KHOL (rhymes with hall) NOO-REE
A traditional Bengali mortar and pestle used to grind spices, herbs, medicines, and other ingredients by hand.
Meaning & usage
Khal Nuri consists of a mortar (khal) and pestle (nuri) used for crushing and grinding ingredients by hand. Traditionally found in Bengali homes, apothecaries, and Ayurvedic practices, it was used to prepare spice blends, herbal remedies, medicinal pastes, and condiments. Though largely replaced by modern grinders, the khal nuri remains an enduring symbol of traditional Bengali culinary and healing practices.
In a sentence
We still use a khal nuri to grind fresh mustard and green chilies for kasundi. Grandfather prepared the remedy by crushing fresh basil leaves in a khal nuri.
As seen in crosswords
Khal Nuri is a 8-letter answer. A typical clue:
“A traditional Bengali mortar and pestle used to grind spices, herbs, medicines, and other ingredients by hand” (4,4)
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