Pot coffee: abridging tradition with the present
At a time when automatic coffee machines, capsules and precision filtration methods dominate the scene, pot coffee is once again reawakening the interest of artisanal coffee lovers.
This ancient method requires no machinery, just patience, good raw materials, and a pot over the fire. The result: a smooth, aromatic coffee steeped in history.
🌿 What is pot coffee?
"Café de puchero" is a traditional way of preparing coffee that was used in Spain long before the advent of Italian or electric coffee makers. It consists of boiling water, adding ground coffee, and letting it steep before brewing it , usually using a cloth filter or a coffee sock.
Its flavor is round, less bitter , and has a slight smoky note reminiscent of home. In Galicia, pot coffee is emblematic of the local culture: it's prepared at family gatherings, pilgrimages, and long after-dinner conversations, often accompanied by homemade sweets or a splash of orujo (brandy).
☕ Ingredients for making pot coffee at home
To make authentic pot coffee, you don't need any special equipment, just quality ingredients:
Ingredients (for 4 cups):
- 1 liter of water
- 70 to 80 grams (5 or 6 tablespoons) of coarsely ground specialty coffee . Examples of Arabica varietals that can shine in this preparation are Caturra, for its mild acidity and chocolate or nutty notes, and Bourbon, for its balance of sweetness and body, which in the pot will be perceived as round, clean, and persistent. Equally suitable alternatives are Pacamara, Typica, or Catuaí.
- Traditionally, a piece of lemon peel or a cinnamon stick was added to the water as it heated, along with sugar to taste. I add this for informational purposes only; by using specialty coffee, you'll extract natural aromatic notes from the coffee that you don't want to dilute.
👩🍳 How to make pot coffee step by step
1. Heat the water
Put one liter of water in a pot or saucepan and heat it to about 93 degrees, or until it begins to simmer.
2. Add the ground coffee
When the water comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and add the ground coffee. Use a coarse grind, like a French press (average particle size around 800 microns). Stir with a wooden spoon to mix well.
3. Let it rest
Cover the pot with a lid or a clean cloth and let the coffee sit for 6 to 8 minutes , until the grounds settle to the bottom.
4. Strain the coffee
Strain the coffee through a cloth filter to remove any ground coffee residue. You'll end up with a clean, full-bodied, and deeply aromatic beverage.
5. Serve and enjoy
Serve the coffee hot and accompany it with biscuits, cake, or toast. In Galicia, some people add a few drops of coffee liquour or aguardiente to complete the experience.
💡 Tips for a perfect pot of coffee
Use freshly ground coffee: the coarse grounds prevent the coffee from getting bitter and at the same time make it easier to filter.
Avoid boiling coffee: if you let it boil, it will lose volatile aromas and the coffee will become harsher.
Serve in a clay jug or thermos: it helps retain heat and enhances the presentation.
❤️ Why return to pot coffee
"Café de puchero" represents a philosophy: taking the time to enjoy . A cup of this coffee embodies tradition, conversation, and a more humane way of preparing a beverage that has united us for centuries.
It's not just a recipe: it's a sensory experience that connects the past with the present.