Traditional Moroccan Mint Tea
The symbol of Moroccan hospitality — a sweet, aromatic green tea infused with a mountain of fresh spearmint, poured from a great height.
Ingredients
Tea
- 2 tsp Chinese gunpowder green tea
- 1 large bunch fresh spearmint (about 2 cups packed)
- 3-4 tbsp sugar (or to taste — Moroccans like it very sweet)
- 4 cups boiling water
Instructions
Rinse the Tea
Add the gunpowder green tea to your teapot. Pour a small amount of boiling water over it, swirl for 10 seconds, then discard the water. This rinse removes any bitterness from the tea.
Steep the Tea
Pour 1 cup of fresh boiling water over the rinsed tea leaves. Steep for exactly 2 minutes. Do not overstep.
Add Mint and Sugar
Pack the fresh spearmint into the teapot on top of the steeped tea. Add the sugar directly into the pot.
Add Remaining Water
Pour in the remaining 3 cups of boiling water. Let the teapot sit on very low heat or a candle warmer for 3-4 minutes to fully infuse the mint.
The All-Important Pour
Pour one glass of tea, then pour it back into the pot. Repeat 2-3 times to blend and aerate the tea. This is called 'la mise en train'.
Serve with Height
Pour the tea into small decorated Moroccan glasses from a height of at least 30cm (12 inches). This creates a beautiful foam on top. Serve with Moroccan sweets like chebakia.
Nutrition Facts
* Based on a 2,000 calorie diet.