What’s the hype about the Moka pot!

One of my favorite ways to have my coffee in the morning is to use this classic brewing method with strong Italian roots.

This stovetop method is similar to espresso machine but with a lower water pressure.

The aroma brings back childhood memories in Bologna, Italy. 

Bialetti Moka Express coffee maker, which comes in many sizes, is my top choice due to its reliability and the taste of the coffee.

In 1933 the engineer Alfonso Bialetti designed the aluminum Moka Express but it was only after the WW2 that the brand took off and became a style icon. 

Here are my tips on how to make a delicious cup of coffee:

1. make sure the Moka pot is clean, the rubber gasket is in good condition and there is no limescale to avoid bitterness in the coffee

2. fill up the heating vessel just to right below the safety valve with warm or hot water. I use filtered water to avoid mineral deposits. Note: the less water, the stronger the coffee 

3. place the filter in the chamber and add finely to little bit courser grounded coffee, use a spoon to lightly even it out

4. pop it together, seal it nice and tight  

5. you want to put the Moka pot on the burner straight and quick at a slow flame

6. the water in the bottom will start to evaporate and since it is trapped it will build pressure, pushing it through the funnel and through the coffee, and that is how the brewing works!

7. as soon as the coffee starts to flow, listen and when you hear a gurgling sound, remove from the heat and enjoy your delicious cup of coffee.

For maintenance, clean the Moka with warm water avoid chemicals. Give it a good rinse and make sure everything is very dry before putting it all back together.