Don’t be surprised when I tell you you can achieve espresso-like coffee whenever you brew at home—without any fancy espresso machine! If you’re a true coffee connoisseur, chances are you already have a Moka pot lying around. This little brewing device is truly an incredible piece of equipment.
There are plenty of fantastic recipes out there. Still, you’ll absolutely love this espresso-style coffee, complete with a rich, beautiful crema on top.
It’s a simple yet highly effective way to brew a bold, robust coffee resembling espresso. The Moka pot is a real champ if you want to elevate your coffee game.
Let’s get one thing straight: you can’t make true espresso with a moka pot. An espresso machine uses up to 9 bars of pressure to create that signature shot, while a moka pot operates at just 1-2 bars. So, while it won’t be an exact match, you can still get impressively close to the taste and intensity of espresso.
And that’s exactly what we’re doing today—making espresso-style coffee with a moka pot!
What is a Moka Pot?
The Moka pot is a lovely machine. It can be really rewarding if you’re willing to work to perfect the method. The price of this brewing device varies depending on various factors. This device can be found in different cup sizes, and this incredible brewing device uses steam pressure that forces hot water through finely ground coffee. The moka pot is great for making espresso-based drinks at home. This lovely stainless steel design makes some nice coffee if you brew with care. The only downside is that it’s a little more involved and requires precision because it’s a little finicky and takes more time to brew than other methods.
How to Use a Moka Pot
This brewing device uses a percolation method to extract the coffee. This method requires a little more attention than other methods, but it is fairly simple to use once you learn how to do it. You need to follow the steps carefully to get great-tasting coffee from it.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Coffee beans: This method requires 18 grams of finely ground coffee beans.
- Grinder: Freshly ground coffee beans will result in a much more robust, bold, espresso-like coffee with a little crema on top. Use a burr grinder for consistency and better brew.
- Water: You will need filtered water for this method.
- Scale: Weigh your coffee bean before consistently brewing.
- Sugar or sweetener: This is optional; you can add sugar or other sweetener.
Directions
1. Disassemble your moka pot: It has three chambers: the boiler, funnel, and bottom chamber. Now, give your moka pot a good rinse with hot water, like a little grooming before brewing.
2. Boil your water: Start by heating your water before pouring it into the pot. Don’t boil your water because it will again get heated after you place the moka pot.
3. Fill the chamber: Fill the bottom chamber of your moka pot with warm water just below the valve. Don’t use water up to the valve for safety pressure buildup.
4. Add coffee into the funnel: Fill the funnel with finely ground dark roasted coffee beans and level off the top. Place over the chamber and make sure to clean any grounds off the rim; otherwise, you’ll have trouble when you’re screwing on the top part.
5. Assemble the moka pot: Firmly screw the top part of the moka pot onto the bottom chamber.
6. Place your pot on the stove: Place the moka pot on your stove and set the stove. Now, wait until the coffee starts percolating into the top part of the moka pot. When it’s about a third or halfway full, close the lid, remove it from heat, wrap it in a towel and allow it to sit until you hear a hissing sound.
7. Pour and serve: Now, stir the coffee with a spoon, then immediately pour it into your favourite mug and enjoy.
Can you make a true espresso with a moka pot?
So, the answer is yes and no. Your coffee will not be as strong and concentrated as espresso because you can’t get real espresso without an espresso machine. As we know, espresso must be brewed under at least 9 bars of pressure, whereas a moka pot can only reach 1 or 2. As a result, you won’t get that crema on top. However, moka pots are one of the best methods to brew espresso without a machine. They are some of our favourite coffee brewing methods because of their rich and bold taste. Although it is often considered the closest-tasting coffee to espresso, getting an espresso without a machine is impossible.