Moka Pot
What you’ll need
Moka pot
Kettle
Grinder
Digital scale
Recommended coffee:
Grind size: Fine
Have questions? Ask us at hello@vncapheproject.com
Originated from Italy, this tiny gurgle works wonders on the stovetop to produce a viscously concentrated espresso-quality substitute. You can easily make lattes or other coffee drinks at home with a Moka pot.
At Vietnam Ca-phe Project we love to jazz it up by pairing this distinctly strong brew with some whipping cream and cocoa powder to create a creamy, rich cup of Vienna coffee. You can find the recipe here.
Step 1
Preheat the water and bring it to a boil around 195°F. Remove the kettle from the heat to prevent the Moka pot from getting too hot.
Step 2
Grind about 17-20 grams (~0.6-0.7 oz or 2.5-3 tablespoons) of coffee as finely as you would for an espresso machine. Then fill up the filter basket for a 4-cup Bialetti Moka pot. Give it a shake to spread the grounds evenly and level the surface off with your finger. Remember not to overfill or tamp.
Step 3
Add the hot water into the bottom reservoir of the brewer and stop when it reaches the pressure release valve. (See the little nub on the side? That’s where you stop.) The valve is designed to release pressure in case the pot doesn’t brew properly while on the heat. Hence, covering this valve with water will increase the risk of a dangerous blow-out.
Step 4
Position the pot’s filter basket into the bottom chamber and remove any stray grounds around the top edge of the filter. Screw the Moka pot together tightly. Be careful as the bottom compartment will be hot!
Step 5
Place the pot on a stovetop at medium-low heat. Leave the top lid open.
Ensure the handle is not too close to the heat. I once almost melted the plastic handle by accident.
Step 6
After 5-10 minutes, when the water in the bottom reaches a boil, the brew will start oozing into the upper chamber. You will hear a bubbling, puffing sound, which cues your coffee is complete.
If the flow is sputtering or spitting, your water is too hot. If it is gurgling sluggishly, the heat is too low.
Step 7
Remove the Moka pot from the heat with caution, using hot pads. You can wrap the bottom with a chilled bar towel to slow down the brewing process. This step is important to keep your coffee from over-extraction and the ultimately burnt, metallic taste.
Step 8
Once the coffee stops bubbling out, pour and serve immediately. Adjust to your taste by adding more hot water or add cream and sugar.
