Moka Pot: How to Brew

1. Boil a pitcher of water, and let sit for 30 seconds.

2. Grind about 20g of coffee (enough to fill the filter basket) almost as finely as espresso.

3. Fill the bottom half of the moka pot with the hot water.

4. Fill the filter basket with the coffee grounds, then place it in the lower compartment. Level off the surface with your finger.

5. Screw on the top chamber. Careful with the hot bottom! I normally use a towel to hold the pot steady.

6. Place the moka pot on the stove, set to medium heat. Leave the lid open.

7. As the water approaches a boil, it will pressure a stream of coffee out of the valve. This stream should come out gently as a rich brown. If the coffee rushes out, turn down the heat. If the coffee dribbles out, turn the heat up.

8. Remove the moka pot from the stove when the stream turns light amber and starts bubbling from the spout.

9. Close the lid and wrap the bottom of the pot with a chilled towel to prevent further extraction.

10. Enjoy a freshly poured coffee! Remember that moka pot brews are similar to espresso, so for a less concentrated cup, dilute with some hot water.