Morroccan Mint for tea and more.

Morroccan Mint is the variety of Mint used to make the refreshing mint tea drink found in Morrocco and other parts of North Africa.

Of course Morroccan mint can also be used in the same way as other mints, giving a more intense mint flavour.

When making tea, can be used on its own or is often mixed with Gunpowder Tea ( a type of chinese tea ) or black tea.

For Moroccans, mint tea is as important as earl grey is for the British and green tea is for the Chinese. It can be served it at any time of the day with sweet and savoury foods; it’s kind of always tea o’clock in Morocco.

Morroccan Mint is available at The Herb Patch now.

HOW TO MAKE MOROCCAN MINT TEA

Makes 400ml

INGREDIENTS

  • 7 fresh mint sprigs cut in half so they can fit in the teapot and more for garnish
  • 1 heaped teaspoon loose gunpowder tea
  • 500 ml boiling water
  • 3 tablespoons caster sugar

METHOD

• For this recipe, you will need a Moroccan teapot or a stovetop kettle. A stovetop kettle is a kettle you can safely place and use on your stovetop.

• In a clean pot, pour the gunpowder tea and half a cup of the boiled water. Let the tea simmer for a minute and pour out the water in a separate cup. If using a stovetop kettle, strain the water to keep the tealeaves inside the pot. Set this cup aside as it contains the essence of the tea. Don’t discard it.

• Repeat the same process, pour half a cup of the boiled water in the same teapot but this time, swirl the teapot a couple of times to rinse to the tea leaves. If using a stovetop kettle, strain the water to keep the tealeaves inside the pot. Pour out the water and discard it.

• Now, insert the fresh mint, sugar and first cup of water you set aside earlier. Fill the teapot with the remaining boiled water and let gently simmer over medium-low heat until it comes to a boil. It’s important to let the tea slowly come to a boil to enable the gunpowder tea and fresh mint to steep properly. If you use a Moroccan teapot, you will see steam coming from the teapot when it’s boiling.

• When it comes to a boil, carefully open the teapot and with a large spoon, stir the tea to make sure that the sugar is well dissolved. Serve hot. if using a stovetop kettle, strain the tea to keep the tealeaves inside the pot when pouring into each glass.

• Place some fresh mint in each tea cup/glass to obtain a stronger fresh mint aroma and to decorate your tea cups/glasses (optional).

Notes

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