Thinking of making an espresso at the comfort of your own home? You can do it! You do not need to spend too much by often buying in commercial coffee shops. You just need to invest in an espresso machine. The latter, however, can be costly for some people.
With this, keep on reading the rest of this article and we’ll let you know how to make espresso without a machine. You might think that it is complicated, but in reality, the process is not that hard. Time and effort will be required, but it can be done by almost anyone.
Requirements for Making an Espresso
Before we talk about how to make espresso without a machine, it is important to know first what will be essential in the process. Among others, one of the most important would be pressure. There is a need to have the water pushed at a specific pressure, which will be vital in the success of the process.
Additionally, proper grind and proper coffee will also be critical in coming up with the perfect shot of espresso. Lastly, you will also need to have heated water. Keep in mind that there is certain temperature that is required, which means that you do not necessarily need to have boiling water.
Again, it should be noted that espresso differs from traditional coffee in the sense that the water must be very hot, but not boiling, and must undergo pressure. The pressure should be powerful, enough to extract the contents of coffee.
The pressure should be 132 pounds per square inch. Because of this, you can expect the output to be thick and creamy. The taste is also stronger compared to conventional coffee.
Here’s How to Make Espresso Without a Machine
The following are the specific steps that should, be done to make your own espresso drink at the comfort of your own home, even without an expensive machine.
- The first thing that you need to do is to find a moka pot. It is being sold commercially and can even be purchased online. Make sure to invest in excellent quality and do not buy one product only because it is cheap. See to it that it is made from premium materials and has the right size. Go through the reviews of other users to help you make the right choice.
- If you already have one, make sure that it is going to be cleaned first. Use hot water and avoid using harsh soap, especially because it can leave a residue that can have an effect on the quality of your espresso.
- Start by filling the reservoir with water until the fill line. If in case the fill line is not visible from your pot, just fill it with water about half a centimeter from its safety valve.
- Now, fill the basket with your coffee grounds. Make sure that it is filled by up to three quarters.
- Screw the basket in the pot. Once it is ready, have it set atop a medium fire. Again, keep in mind that the temperature should be right. Avoid boiling the water as this can lead into burnt aftertaste. The duration at which it should be placed on the top of the stove will largely depend on the size of the pot that you are using.
- Your espresso is now ready. Have it transferred in a shot glass or cup and use it as desired. You can add sugar or sweetener if preferred. Make sure to have it consumed as soon as possible. Its taste and aroma can be negatively affected when it is left stale for an extended period.
Tips in Making a Great Espresso
Aside from knowing how to make espresso without a machine, it is also important to be familiar with the following tips:
- Use the best coffee. This is one of the fundamentals of an excellent espresso. The quality of your grounds will be highly indicative of the taste and aroma of the drink that you will be able to come up with.
- Keep your moka pot clean. It is important to wash it regularly. This is to not only ensure taste, but to also avoid mineral deposits. If you are using hard water, chances are, through time, the sediments will harden on the different parts of the moka pot. Regular washing will prevent this from happening.
- Have your new moka pot seasoned. If you are using the pot for the first time, see to it that it will be seasoned first. Wash it with hot and soapy water. Rinse properly. Start experimenting with cheap grounds first. By having it seasoned, a foul smell and taste can be avoided.
By now, you most probably know that making your own espresso can be easy, as long as you have a moka pot. Try it today and see for yourself!
