Traditional Yerba Mate
This recipe guides you through preparing a traditional yerba mate, a stimulating herbal infusion popular in South America. It's a simple, comforting beverage that can be enjoyed throughout the day.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 5 min
- Serves
- 1
- Difficulty
- Easy
Mise en place
Ingredients
- 30 gyerba mate
- 500 mlwater
- 1 tspsugar(optional)
Equipment
bombilla · kettle · mate gourd
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat the water in a kettle until it is hot but not boiling, around 70-80°C (160-175°F).
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Boiling water will burn the yerba mate and make it bitter.
- 2
Fill the mate gourd about two-thirds full with yerba mate.
Cook’s note: Adjust the amount of yerba mate to your preference for strength.
- 3
Cover the top of the gourd with your hand, invert it, and shake vigorously for a few seconds. This helps to settle the finer particles and prevent the bombilla from clogging.
- 4
Return the gourd to an upright position, creating a 'mountain' of yerba mate on one side and an empty space on the other.
- 5
Pour a small amount of the hot water into the empty space to moisten the yerba mate. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to absorb the water.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: This step helps to awaken the flavor of the yerba mate.
- 6
Insert the bombilla (filtered straw) into the moistened area, pushing it gently to the bottom of the gourd against the wall.
Cook’s note: Once inserted, avoid moving the bombilla to prevent clogging.
- 7
Slowly pour the remaining hot water into the empty space until the yerba mate is just covered. Sip through the bombilla.
Cook’s note: You can add optional sugar to the water if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- 8
Refill the gourd with hot water as you continue to drink, until the flavor of the yerba mate diminishes.
Cook’s note: The first few sips might be strong; the flavor mellows with subsequent refills.
Keep it good
Yerba mate is best consumed fresh.