Introduction

Brew your coffee using traditional Italian Moka Pot

This method of coffee preparation is a predecessor of contemporary espresso machines as we know them from local cafes and restaurants. While Italians usually call this preparation "mocca", around Europe is widely used the term "Italian espresso". Moka pot is an essential utensil in every Italian household.

This principally simple system can prepare a good quality cup, though it will not make you a classic espresso. Bottom part is filled with water, in the middle part, which contains a basket not much different to those used in espresso portafilters, is a place for coffee grounds. Upper chamber then collects the final coffee emulsion.

To prepare a Moka Pot you will need a heat source (electric or gas), coffee (preferably fresh), good quality burr grinder, cups and optionaly a cold towel.

Step 1

Bring water to boil

It is crucial to pre-heat the water (bring it to boil in electric kettle or other device used to boil water) and let it cool off a bit. If you pour cold water straight into the Moka Pot and bring it to boil the resulting cup will be “cooked” with unpleasant bitter taste and thin body. Also the coffee will developed harsh and metallic notes.

Step 2

Grind your coffee

While the water is heating, grind your coffee. You should use a little bit coarser grind than for espresso. Very close to what you would use for drip coffee. Again, as you prepare more Moka Pots and experiment with different variables you will eventually find the sweet spot.

You should use enough coffee to fill the entire filter basket.

Step 3

Add water

Fill the brewer bottom to the indicator line with hot water.

Step 4

Insert the filter basket into brewer

After inserting the filter basket into the bottom brewer, fill it with coffee. Dosing is very similar to espresso. Fill the coffee slightly mounded and level with your finger. Perhaps because of this dosing technique, the Moka pot wrongly received the name "stove top espresso maker." You can tap the basket a few times to settle the grounds and use more coffee.

Step 5

Wait for the coffee to come up

Once you see a stream of coffee coming into the top chamber (usually it is preceded by a slight "cough" or "sneeze"), remove the Moka pot from the heat source and close the top lid. Now you can use a cold towel to promote the extraction.

The idea is to get a relatively small amount of coffee with very concentrated and rich flavours. Now you can pour the coffee in the pre-heated cups and enjoy its wonderful taste! Be careful during the whole process so you do not get burned!