Traditional Yerba Mate

Mise-en-place

Ingrediënten

De bereidingswijze

Stap voor stap

1. 1

   Heat the water in a kettle until it is hot but not boiling, around 70-80°C (160-175°F).

   Ongeveer 3 min

   Tip van de kok: Boiling water will burn the yerba mate and make it bitter.

2. 2

   Fill the mate gourd about two-thirds full with yerba mate.

   Tip van de kok: Adjust the amount of yerba mate to your preference for strength.

3. 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. 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. 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.

   Ongeveer 1 min

   Tip van de kok: This step helps to awaken the flavor of the yerba mate.

6. 6

   Insert the bombilla (filtered straw) into the moistened area, pushing it gently to the bottom of the gourd against the wall.

   Tip van de kok: Once inserted, avoid moving the bombilla to prevent clogging.

7. 7

   Slowly pour the remaining hot water into the empty space until the yerba mate is just covered. Sip through the bombilla.

   Tip van de kok: You can add optional sugar to the water if you prefer a sweeter taste.

8. 8

   Refill the gourd with hot water as you continue to drink, until the flavor of the yerba mate diminishes.

   Tip van de kok: The first few sips might be strong; the flavor mellows with subsequent refills.