Coffee Recipes - Moka Pot

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 Moka Pot)
  • Stove (or 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: Start by boiling water in a kettle and letting it cool slightly to around 85–90°C. Pre-heating the water reduces the time the coffee 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 down or tamping, as the grounds need to be loose to allow water flow.

  4. Assemble the Moka Pot: Place the filter basket into the bottom chamber and screw on the top section of the pot securely.

  5. Heat on the stove: Place the Moka Pot on a medium-low heat setting. Allow it to heat slowly; rushing it with high heat can result in over-extraction and a bitter taste.

  6. Listen for the gurgling sound: As the water heats, it will pass through the coffee grounds and bubble into the top chamber.
    When you hear a hissing or gurgling sound, the coffee is nearly done.

  7. Remove from heat: Once you hear the gurgling sound, promptly remove the Moka Pot from the heat to avoid over-extraction.
    Allow the remaining pressure to push the last bit of coffee through.

  8. Serve and enjoy: Your Moka Pot coffee is ready!
    Pour it into a cup and enjoy it as a strong, espresso-like drink, or add hot water to create an Americano.

Troubleshooting

  • Bitter Taste: If your coffee tastes bitter, try using slightly cooler water, reducing the heat, or grinding your coffee coarser.

  • Weak or Watery Coffee: If the coffee seems weak, use a finer grind or increase the coffee dose slightly.

  • Burnt or Metallic Taste: Using pre-heated water and controlling the heat can help prevent a burnt or metallic taste.

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