How to Brew Expresso Coffee
A rich cup of espresso is smooth and full of body but never acidic and bitter. The coffee is extracted from the beans via pressure instead of through the normal heat-only brewing process. For true espresso, it's vital to use an espresso machine. The machine uses a pump or lever to press the flavor from the coffee beans. Automatic machines handle the pump action but do not always produce the foam and rich flavor of a hand-pumped machine. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Fill the espresso machine's water reservoir with cold water. Espresso machines hold between 1 and 4 oz. of water, which is between one and four shots of espresso.
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Measure out the coffee grounds into the filter basket. Use 1 tbsp. of ground coffee for every ounce of water in the machine. Tamp the coffee down in the filter lightly with the tamper included with your espresso machine. Replace the filter in the machine.
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Set the carafe or espresso mug under the spout on the machine. Once the espresso begins brewing, the process takes no more than 30 seconds so you must have the carafe in place to avoid spills.
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Turn the machine on. If using a pump machine and not a fully automated machine, make sure the pump handle is in the down position. Automated machines handle the rest of the espresso process on their own.
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Move the pump handle to the up position when the thermometer on the machine reads between 190 and 200 degrees F. Count to 10 slowly, then move the handle down, pressing out the espresso.
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Tips & Warnings
There will be resistance as you pull down the handle. Use constant pressure and avoid jerking on the handle, as this may damage the machine.
Invest in a coffee grinder. Whole beans remain fresh longer, and you can grind them to the correct coarseness for your machine at home.
References
- Photo Credit espresso image by Igor Groshev from Fotolia.com
