Moroccan mint tea
Last update November 18, 2024
drinks
Moroccan mint tea, or atay (sometimes spelled atay b’naanaa), is a quintessential part of Moroccan culture and hospitality. Here’s an overview of this beloved beverage:
Hospitality: Moroccan mint tea is a symbol of hospitality. Offering tea is a traditional way to welcome guests and show respect.
Social Aspect: The preparation and sharing of mint tea often become a social ritual, bringing people together to chat and enjoy each other’s company.
Ceremonial Importance: It’s commonly served during special occasions and family gatherings, reflecting its integral role in Moroccan culture.
Moroccan mint tea is more than just a drink; it’s a cultural experience and a symbol of Moroccan warmth and hospitality.
Required Ingredients
Check the box for each ingredient you have
- Green tea
- the mint
- Boilled water
Optional Ingredients
Check the box for each ingredient you have
- Sugar
Cooking Instructions
Check the box for each step you have done
Rinsing tea leaves with boiled water (no stirring and keep first glass)
- In a teapot, put one or two tablespoons of green tea.
- Pour a glass of hot, boiling water (100 mL more or less).
- Leave it for 2 minutes without stirring; this will help the tea infuse and release the flavor.
- After 2 minutes, pour the tea into a glass and keep it aside (do not throw it away).
- To rinse the tea, pour another glass of water into the pot again, as you did earlier.
- Now hold the teapot and stir for 10 seconds more or less in order to clean the tea, then pour it into a different glass or throw it away.
- Do the same step above for a second time.
- Now you have the cleaned tea leaves inside the tea pot and the first glass of tea.
- Now pour back the glass of tea that you have (the cup of tea we kept earlier) and fill the pot with water.
- Put it on fire for 2 to 3 minutes and watch it boil.
- Watch the tea being boiled for a few minutes, and do not leave it boil longer.
- Now take some mint (leaves with the stalks as well).
- Now wash the mint with normal water (not hot water) and put it inside the pot.
- Finally, add sugar if you like or drink it without, but the most important thing is to leave the tea infuse and rest for 5 minutes, then mix it either using a spoon or the Moroccan way by pouring it into one glass and pouring it back into the tea pot three times.
Notes
- Use only green tea, not black tea.
- You can use hot or cold water, but hot water is quicker.
- You can make the same tea without mint.
- Rincing is optional, but it is better for a good taste and cleaner tea.
- If you prefer another herb than mint, do not add herbs before boiling; leave the herbs until the tea is boiled, then add them and leave it to infuse.
- If you use herbs, soak them in hot water for at least one minute, then take only the herbs with a spoon and put them in the pot and leave it infuse.
- If you use herbs, use only two teaspoons or three; otherwise, the tea will be bitter, and, as mentioned before, never boil herbs.
