5
THE TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN
TEA CEREMONY
At one time, mint tea was ceremoniously prepared
in front of guests. This tradition still takes place on
some formal occasions or as a matter of custom in
some areas.
During the tea ceremony, the host or hostess sits
before a tray holding decorated glasses and two
teapots. Fresh mint leaves (or other herbs), dried
green tea leaves, sugar, and boiling water should
be nearby.
The host begins by rinsing the teapots with boiling
water. He then adds the tea leaves to each pot
and rinses the leaves with a little boiling water.
The water is discarded.
Sugar is added to the pots and the host fills them
with boiling water. The tea steeps for several minutes
before being stirred, and then the host fills the tea
glasses halfway while pouring simultaneously from
both pots. The pouring is usually done from a height
of twelve inches or more.
While the guests drink their first glass of tea, which
is quite strong, the host will replenish the pots with
more tea leaves and sugar. Large handfuls of fresh
mint will also be added, and then the host again
fills the pots with boiling water.
It is this second pot of tea, fragrant with mint and
usually heavily sweetened, that has gained fame
both within and outside of Morocco.
But the tea ceremony need not stop there. In
Saharan tradition, a third pot is traditionally brewed
while the second is enjoyed, making tea time a
long, leisurely affair.
MODERN METHOD
These days, tea is much more likely to be prepared
in the kitchen before being brought before the
guests. Nonetheless, if you’ve had the opportunity
to have mint tea served by a Moroccan, you’ll
probably agree that tea time can be quite
impressive and is an ultimate way to relax with
friends and family.
If you’d like to try making it yourself, this recipe
will show the main steps involved in steeping your
own pot of the sweet, flavorful tea.
MOROCCAN MINT TEA RECIPE:
ATAY BI NANA
Moroccan teapots vary in size, but a small pot
typically holds about a half-liter (six small tea
glasses), while a larger pot holds approximately
a liter (12 glasses). The measures in the recipe
to the right are for a small pot of tea and are
approximates since tea leaves vary in quality and
strength. A variety — not a brand — of green tea
called Chinese gunpowder is the preferred tea
to use.
Although usually enjoyed on its own, Moroccan mint
tea can be accompanied by a plate of patisseries
and sweets.
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