Ступ is a traditional Russian wooden pestle used for grinding and mixing ingredients, particularly in the preparation of various dishes. It is often paired with a пестик, a bowl-like mortar, to create pastes, sauces, or spices. The design of a ступ is simple yet effective, allowing for easy handling and efficient grinding. In Russian cuisine, the ступ plays a significant role in making dishes like пельмени and борщ. It is valued for its ability to enhance flavors by thoroughly blending ingredients. While modern appliances have largely replaced it, the ступ remains a symbol of traditional cooking methods.