Mate Cocido, also known as Cocido Quemado or Cocido Negro, is a staple in Paraguayan culture. This traditional drink is often enjoyed with snacks such as Chipa, Mbeju, Tortilla, Pireca, and Reviro.
While preparing Mate Cocido can vary from region to region and family to family, this recipe is a simple and practical way of making it without using hot lump charcoal.
Using only three ingredients: white sugar, plain yerba mate, and hot water, you can easily prepare a delicious Mate Cocido in the comfort of your home. It takes only 15 minutes to prepare.
It can be enjoyed as is or with a splash of warm milk and paired with traditional snacks such as Chipa Mestizo or sweet pastries like Pasta Frola or Medialuna for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
It can also be chilled during the summer as a refreshing alternative to Coffee.☕️In addition to this convenient recipe, which only calls for 3 ingredients, we have also provided information on how to
prepare the most traditional Paraguayan Cocido Quemado, which requires 4 ingredients: plain yerba mate, white sugar, burning charcoal, and water.
This way, you can easily adapt the recipe to the ingredients you have or prefer. So whether you're looking for a quick and easy option or the authentic traditional method, our guide has covered you.
How to Make Mate Cocido
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
In a medium heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat, add the sugar and cook, stirring until the sugar dissolves and caramelizes (be careful not to let the sugar burn). If using brown sugar, cook until it melts.
Next, stir in the yerba mate and allow it to toast for a few seconds. Then, pour in the hot water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar fully dissolves from the bottom of the pan.
Be careful not to let it come to a full boil to prevent any bitterness.
Remove from the heat and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the yerba to settle to the pan's bottom before serving or strain right away, through a fine mesh strainer, into cups and serve.
If the Cocido Quemado is too strong for your taste, dilute it with hot water or hot milk. Adjust the sugar to taste. Enjoy!
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📖 Recipe
Mate Cocido Quemado
Ingredients
- 100 g ( ½ cup) granulated white sugar, light or brown sugar , adjust to taste
- 70 g ( 1 cup) Plain yerba mate. Paraguayan yerba maté brand is best for making Cocido. However, any other kind of Plain Yerba mate is just as good. (I use Plain Pajarito Yerba maté)
- 2 liters Hot water , depending on how strong you like. (The ideal temperature is approximately 160 to 180-degree f)
- Milk or additional sugar as you prefer
Instructions
- In a medium heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat, add the sugar and cook, stirring until the sugar dissolves and caramelizes (be careful not to let the sugar burn). If using brown sugar, cook until it melts.
- Next, stir in the yerba mate and allow it to toast for a few seconds. Then, pour in the hot water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar fully dissolves from the bottom of the pan. Be careful not to let it come to a full boil to prevent any bitterness.
- Remove from the heat and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the yerba to settle to the pan's bottom before serving or strain right away, through a fine mesh strainer, into cups and serve.
- If the Cocido Quemado is too strong for your taste, dilute it with hot water or hot milk. Adjust the sugar to taste.
Notes
How to Store & Reheat
To store: Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Remember that the flavor and texture may change slightly after refrigeration, so it's best to enjoy Mate Cocido when freshly made for the most authentic experience. To reheat: Gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium-low heat. Use a heat-resistant saucepan and stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid bringing it to a rapid boil, which can affect the flavor and texture. If the cocido has thickened upon refrigeration, add hot water or milk to reach your desired consistency while reheating. Once heated through, serve the reheated Mate Cocido in cups and enjoy.Make Ahead
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
