Coffee Recipes - Stovetop

Stovetop (Moka Pot)

A strong, concentrated coffee with an intense flavour

1:10 Coffee to water ratio
15g Medium-fine grind
85–90°C Pre-heated water

Preparation

The Moka Pot, also known as a stovetop espresso maker, is a classic tool for creating a strong, concentrated coffee with an intense flavour. Before starting, make sure your Moka Pot is clean and that you have freshly ground coffee.

Equipment

  • Moka Pot — typically a 3-cup size, but adjust as needed
  • Grinder — or pre-ground coffee suitable for a Moka Pot
  • Stove — or any heat source
  • Kettle — for pre-heating water

Ingredients

  • Coffee — 15g, medium-fine grind (similar to table salt)
  • Water — pre-heated to around 85–90°C, enough to fill the bottom chamber up to the safety valve

Suggested brew: beginner method

This recipe uses a 1:10 coffee-to-water ratio, which creates a bold cup with rich flavour. The key is to pre-heat the water and control the brewing time.

Step-by-step instructions

1
Pre-heat the water. Boil water in a kettle and let it cool slightly to around 85–90°C. Pre-heating reduces the time the grounds are exposed to heat, which helps prevent a burnt taste.
2
Add water to the bottom chamber. Fill the Moka Pot's bottom chamber with pre-heated water up to just below the safety valve.
3
Add coffee to the filter basket. Place 15g of medium-fine ground coffee into the filter basket. Level the grounds without pressing or tamping, as they need to stay loose to allow water flow.
4
Assemble the Moka Pot. Place the filter basket into the bottom chamber and screw on the top section securely.
5
Heat on the stove. Use a medium-low setting and let it heat slowly. Rushing it with high heat can over-extract and turn the coffee bitter.
6
Listen for the gurgling sound. As the water heats it passes through the grounds and bubbles into the top chamber. A hissing or gurgling sound means the coffee is nearly done.
7
Remove from heat. As soon as you hear the gurgling, take the pot off the heat to avoid over-extraction. Let the remaining pressure push the last of the coffee through.
8
Serve and enjoy. Pour into a cup and enjoy it as a strong, espresso-like drink, or add hot water to make an Americano.

Troubleshooting

Bitter taste

Try slightly cooler water, reduce the heat, or grind your coffee coarser.

Weak or watery coffee

Use a finer grind or increase the coffee dose slightly.

Burnt or metallic taste

Pre-heating the water and controlling the heat helps prevent this.

This Moka Pot recipe is an easy way to achieve a rich, espresso-like coffee without an espresso machine. A great method for anyone looking to explore a bold brew with deep flavours.

All brewing methods