Mate de Coca

Name: Mate de Coca
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 4 g coca leaves; 400 ml hot water; to taste sugar; 1 slice lemon; 1 pinch salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegan

Mate de Coca finds its roots high in the Andes, where the altitude demands a unique kind of sustenance. Traditionally consumed as a soothing beverage, it plays a role in both daily life and special occasions, offering comfort and warmth to those who partake. This home version is a reflection of how Peruvian families have adapted their own kitchens to match the highland's embrace.

The drink is a delicate balance of earthy coca leaves, softened by the gentle sweetness of sugar and brightened by a hint of lemon. A pinch of salt adds depth, grounding the experience in its Andean origins. Enjoyed hot, it provides a comforting pause, a moment of stillness amidst the vibrancy of life.

Ingredients

4 gcoca leaves
400 mlhot water
to tastesugar
1 slicelemon
1 pinchsalt

Method

Begin by heating 400 ml of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. You want the water to be hot but not boiling, around 90°C (194°F), which is the ideal temperature to extract the flavors without making the tea bitter. Once you see small bubbles forming on the bottom of the pan, remove it from the heat.
Measure 4 grams of coca leaves and place them in a teapot or a heatproof glass container. It's important to measure carefully to maintain the traditional balance of flavors. The leaves should be whole and vibrant green, indicating their freshness.
Pour the hot water over the coca leaves in the teapot or glass container. Cover with a lid or a small plate to trap the steam and allow the leaves to steep for about 5 minutes. This will ensure the leaves release their full aroma and beneficial properties.
After steeping, gently stir the infusion with a spoon to combine the flavors. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the natural taste of the coca leaves. Taste the mate and add sugar to your liking, stirring until it dissolves completely.
Slice a lemon and add one slice to the mate. The lemon will add a refreshing citrus note that complements the earthiness of the coca leaves. Stir gently to incorporate the lemon flavor without losing the delicate aroma of the tea.
Serve the Mate de Coca immediately in small cups or traditional glassware. The tea should be a light green color with a gentle, earthy aroma. Enjoy it while it's warm, appreciating the traditional flavors and the warmth it brings.