Delight in this refreshing Moroccan-style tea, delicately sweetened and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Pair with pastries for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) loose green tea
- 5 cups (1.25 L) water (4 cups for the tea and 1 cup for cleaning the tea leaves)
- 2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 mL) granulated sugar
- 5 to 6 sprigs of fresh mint, or a handful
Preparation
Boil the Water
- Bring 5 cups (1.25 L) of water to a boil in a kettle
Prepare the Tea Leaves
- Add 1 tablespoon of loose green tea to a teapot.
- Pour 1 cup of boiling water into the teapot and let it steep for 1 minute. This step opens the tea leaves.
- Pour the steeped tea into a mug and set aside for later.
Clean the Tea Leaves
- Pour 1 additional cup of boiling water into the teapot, swirl it for a few seconds, and discard this water. This rinses and cleans the tea leaves.
Combine Ingredients
- Return the first cup of tea to the teapot.
- Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar, 3 additional cups of boiling water, and 5 to 6 sprigs (or a handful) of fresh mint for a stronger mint flavour.
Simmer the Tea
- Place the teapot on the stovetop, bring the tea to a boil, and then reduce the heat to simmer for a few minutes.
Mix the Tea
- Carefully remove the teapot from the heat. Pour the tea into glasses or mugs and then pour it back into the teapot a few times. This traditional Moroccan step mixes and aerates the tea.
Serve
- Add a few mint leaves to the bottom of each glass or mug for extra aroma and flavor.
- Pour the tea into your favorite glasses or mugs, ideally from a height to create foam bubbles on top and enjoy!
Tips
- Tea Recommendation: The Sultan brand of tea is ideal, as it includes dried mint for added flavour.
- Traditional Serving Style: Pouring the tea from a height aerates it and creates a foamy top, a hallmark of Moroccan tea service.
Alternative Method (Using Tea Bags)
If you don’t have loose tea:
In a pot on the stovetop, combine:
- 4 cups (1 L) of water
- 2 green tea bags
- 2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 mL) of granulated sugar
- A handful of fresh mint sprigs
Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 5 minutes.
Pour the tea into a teapot and serve, following the traditional steps above.
Program Details
AGRICULTURE
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Program Location
Online
- View all programs at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum