How to make a coffee with a Bialetti moka pot

The Moka pot is an Italian wonder. For years and years it has been the most known way to prepare coffee in any Italian home. Its unparalleled ability to produce a viscous, appropriately dense espresso with no electricity or fancy equipment is gorgeous. Not to talk about its fancy little gurgle it makes as it works its magic on the stovetop.

Step 1: Grind your coffee

Grind about 20-22 grams of coffee, about as finely as you would for a shot of espresso.

Step 2: Boil your water and fill

Boil water, and fill the bottom half of your Moka pot with water that’s fresh off the boil.

Step 3: Add your coffee

Fill the pot’s filter basket with the ground coffee, and give it a shake to settle the grounds evenly. Now place it into the bottom compartment.

Step 4: Put it all together

Screw on the Moka pot’s spouted top. Caution! The bottom chamber will be hot.

Step 5: Add some heat

Place the pot on a stove set to medium heat.

Step 6: Listen for a hissing, bubbling sound

When the water in the bottom chamber approaches a boil, the pressure will push a stream of coffee slowly and methodically through the upper chamber. If it explodes upward, your water’s too hot, if it burbles lethargically, turn up your flame. You know it’s done when you hear a hissing, bubbling sound, in this moment you should open the lid and turn the flame off (great secret of my nonna).