The moka Pot February 20, 2008

Pure elegance in itself. In my opinion there’s little more full fulling than seeing that golden liquid fountain out of that metal pillar. Now, you all probably think I’ve gone crazy or something, but the Moka pot is really that beautiful. This method of brewing coffee is popular in Italian households as the beverage produced is espresso. The drink produced is espresso because steam is forced through compact coffee. If you don’t already have a moka pot you can get them from Whitards or failing that they’ll make you pay a lot more at a department store.

Once dismatled, fill the bottom of the Moka pot with cold water, this water should be as pure as possible so I would recommend filtering it. Then put the middle compartment into the bottom compartment as shown below.

Now fill the middle compartment with ground coffee. This coffee should be finely ground because it’s espresso that’s being made. The fact that it’s finely ground increases its surface area which means that more flavors will be extracted, this is nescessary because the extraction time is quite small in comparison with other brewing methods.

Now flatten down the coffee so it’s quite compact, this is known in the business as “tamping”, now run your finger around the rim of the middle compartment to take away all the excess coffee grounds. The top compartment should now be screwed on. It’s importantly to do it VERY tightly or else coffee and water will leak out.

Now place the Moka pot on the hob and put the heat onto a medium temperature. Now simply wait, and you will see something beautiful.

Now enjoy what in my opinion is a perfect breakfast. It’s an infusion of French and Italian culture. Simply beautiful