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Mate Cocido

Serves 4 Beverage vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, Beverages

Mate Cocido

Mate cocido is the comforting alternative to traditional mate, particularly favored at breakfast tables across Argentina. This version skips the iconic gourd, opting instead for a pot to boil the yerba. It's a familiar sight in schools and homes where the ceremony of mate is simplified into a warm, inviting drink. Ideal for those who enjoy the flavor but seek a more straightforward approach to their morning routine.

The taste of mate cocido is distinctly earthy, with a gentle bitterness that can be softened with a splash of milk or a spoonful of sugar, especially for children. It offers a smooth, mellow warmth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket, making it a beloved morning staple. Without the gourd, the experience becomes more about the ease and comfort of the drink itself.

Ingredients

  • 4 tbspyerba mate
  • 1 litre (4 cups)water
  • milk — optional
  • sugar — optional

Method

  1. Start by placing a medium-sized pot on the stove and pour in 1 litre (4 cups) of water. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a rolling boil. This step is crucial as the boiling water will help extract the flavors from the yerba mate.
  2. Once the water reaches a boil, add 4 tablespoons of yerba mate directly into the pot. If you are using bagged mate cocido, add the bags instead. Stir gently to ensure the yerba is fully submerged and evenly distributed in the water.
  3. Immediately after adding the yerba mate, remove the pot from the heat. Cover the pot with a lid and let the yerba mate steep for 5 minutes. This steeping time allows the flavors to fully infuse into the water, resulting in a rich and aromatic brew.
  4. After the steeping time is complete, place a fine mesh strainer over a serving jug or directly over individual cups. Carefully pour the mate cocido through the strainer to remove the yerba leaves or tea bags, ensuring a smooth liquid without any residue.
  5. If desired, offer milk and sugar on the table for those who prefer a sweeter or creamier mate cocido. Each person can adjust the amount of milk and sugar to their taste, making the drink more personalized.
  6. Serve the mate cocido immediately, accompanied by fresh bread or medialunas for a traditional Argentinian breakfast experience. The drink should be warm and comforting, perfect for starting the day.