Mate is a cherished beverage renowned for its unique preparation and invigorating properties. Requiring minimal ingredients but specific equipment, this recipe shows you how to make Mate using dried yerba mate leaves.
It is traditionally served in a gourd and sipped through a metal straw known as a bombilla. Perfect for any time of the day, Mate not only offers a caffeine kick but also has endless ways to customize it!
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Yerba Mate: This is the main ingredient made from the dried leaves of the yerba mate plant. It has a slightly bitter taste and is rich in caffeine and antioxidants.
- Water: Hot water is used to steep the yerba mate leaves. It is important to use water that is not boiling, as it can damage the delicate flavor of the yerba mate.
- Dried Herbs: Additional herbs can be added to the yerba mate to add flavor and health benefits. Some popular herbs include anise seeds, chamomile, mint, and lemon verbena.
How to Make Mate
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Pour the yerba inside the gourd until it is ¾ full. Cover the mouth of the mate gourd with one hand, invert it, and shake it vigorously for about 4 seconds.
This aims to get the smallest particles to sit on the top of the brewing. Now place the gourd again in its position, taking care of the brewing to remain inclined on one side.
Heat water in a kettle to a simmer, not a boil (It should be no more than 160° to 175° F); transfer it to a thermo.
Pour cold water into the gap you've made inside the gourd. Keep the gourd tilted until the Yerba has absorbed the water. Cover the mouth of the bombilla with your thumb and put the filter end into the hollow part of the brewing.
Uncover the bombilla only when you have found the definite position of the bombilla touching the bottom of the gourd. This way, you will keep the filter from blocking fine particles. Then, begin pouring the hot water softly inside the gourd.
How to Prepare Mate
Fill a cured gourd just over half full with yerba. Tilt the gourd until the tea covers the side and almost reaches the top. Before putting the straw in, pour cold water into the gap you've made inside the gourd.
Keep the gourd tilted until the Yerba has absorbed the water. Put the filtered end of the mate straw into the tea at an angle. Pour hot (not boiling) water into the yerba mate tea and drink. A temperature of 160° to 175° Fahrenheit is best.
FAQ
My mate tastes too bitter. What can I do to reduce the bitterness?
Bitterness can occur when the water temperature is too hot or when you steep the yerba mate for too long. Try using water at a temperature of 160° to 175°F (71° to 80°C) and steeping for a shorter time.
You can also experiment with adding herbs like mint or chamomile to mellow out the bitterness.
The water is not flowing through my bombilla. What should I do?
If the water is not flowing through the bombilla, it may be clogged with yerba mate leaves. Try cleaning the bombilla by removing it from the gourd, shaking it, and rinsing it under running water. You can also gently tap the bombilla to remove any blockages.
My mate is too weak, and I can't taste the flavor. How can I make it stronger?
To strengthen your mate, add more yerba mate leaves to the gourd. Fill it up closer to the top to increase the flavor intensity. For a stronger brew, you can also use slightly hotter water (within the recommended temperature range).
Can I reuse the yerba mate leaves for multiple servings?
Yes, you can reuse yerba mate leaves for several servings. After finishing a round, add more hot water to the gourd and continue to enjoy it, mate.
The flavor may become milder with each subsequent round, but you can keep reusing the leaves until they lose flavor.
How do I properly clean and maintain my mate gourd and bombilla?
To clean the gourd and bombilla, rinse them thoroughly with warm water after each use. Occasionally, use a brush to clean the inside of the bombilla.
Allow them to dry completely before storing. Good hygiene is essential to prevent mold or unpleasant flavors from developing.
Is it safe to drink mate while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety of drinking mate (yerba mate) during pregnancy or breastfeeding is uncertain. Mate contains caffeine and other compounds that may have potential risks.
It is advised to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Limiting caffeine intake is generally recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with guidelines suggesting no more than 200 mg daily.
Related Recipes:
- Terere
- Mate Cocido Quemado
- Authentic Paraguayan Reviro
- Atole de Maizena
- Atole de Avena | Oatmeal Drink
- Cafe Cremoso
Recipe
Easy Paraguayan Mate
Ingredients
- Dried herbs , katuava, boldo, chamomile, ginseng, mint, lemon verbena, etc.
- Water , hot (160° to 175° F)
- Yerba Mate
Instructions
- Pour the yerba inside the gourd until it is ¾ full. Cover the mouth of the mate gourd with one hand, invert it and shake it vigorously for about 4 seconds. The purpose of this is to get the smallest particles to sit on the top of the brewing.
- Now place the gourd again in its position, taking care of the brewing to remain inclined on one side. Heat water in a kettle to a simmer, not a boil (It should be no more than 160° to 175° F degrees F); transfer it to a thermo.
- Cover the mouth of the bombilla with your thumb and put the filter end into the hollow part of the brewing. Pour a little cold water into the gap you've made inside the gourd. Keep the gourd tilted until the Yerba has absorbed the water.
- Uncover the bombilla only when you have found the definite position of the bombilla touching the bottom of the gourd. This way, you will keep the filter from blocking with fine particles. Then, begin pouring the hot water softly inside the gourd. Hmm!!
- Fill a cured gourd just over half full with yerba. Tilt the gourd until the tea covers the side and almost reaches the top. Before putting the straw in, pour a little cold water into the gap you've made inside the gourd.
- Keep the gourd tilted until the Yerba Mate has absorbed the water. Put the filtered end of the mate straw into the tea at an angle. Pour hot (not boiling) water into the yerba mate tea and drink. A temperature of 160° to 175° Fahrenheit is best.
Notes
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.