Atay bi Nana (Moroccan Mint Tea)
Local name: أتاي بالنعناع
In short: Chinese gunpowder green tea steeped with a big handful of fresh spearmint and plenty of sugar, then poured from a height for a frothy top. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 45 kcal
Mint tea is how Morocco greets guests. A pot is brewed when visitors arrive, after meals and through long afternoons. The base is green gunpowder tea, tightly rolled leaves that open in hot water, simmered with a big bunch of fresh mint and plenty of sugar. Pouring from a height cools the tea slightly and builds a light foam on top of each glass.
Instructions
- Put the tea leaves in a teapot, ideally a metal one that can go on the stove. Add 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the boiling water, swirl for 30 seconds and pour the liquid off, keeping the leaves in the pot. This rinses away bitterness.
- Add the mint and sugar to the pot, then pour in the remaining boiling water.
- Set the pot over low heat and bring it just to a boil. Take it off the heat right away and let it steep for 3 minutes.
- Pour a glass of tea and tip it back into the pot, two or three times, to mix the sugar and mint evenly.
- Taste and add more sugar if you like. Pour from a height of about 30 cm (12 in) into small glasses so the tea foams, and add a fresh mint sprig to each glass.
Tips
- No gunpowder tea? Use any plain, strong green tea, though the flavor will be milder. Spearmint is best, since peppermint is stronger and can taste medicinal.
- Moroccans often make it quite sweet. Start with 3 tbsp for the pot and add sugar a spoonful at a time, since it is hard to take sugar out.
Questions and answers
Why is Moroccan mint tea poured from a height?
Pouring from high up cools the tea slightly, mixes the sugar through and creates a light foam on top. It also helps the mint flavor spread evenly.
Can I make mint tea without sugar?
Yes, though it tastes much sharper. Cut the sugar down gradually until you find the level you like, or serve the tea with dates on the side.
Can I serve Moroccan mint tea cold?
Yes. Let the pot cool, strain, chill and pour over ice with fresh mint. Add a little extra sugar, as cold drinks taste less sweet.
How long does it take to make Atay bi Nana (Moroccan Mint Tea)?
About 15 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Atay bi Nana (Moroccan Mint Tea)?
About 45 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 11 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 45 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
