Espresso Recipe

Ingredients:

• Fresh coffee beans (about 18–20 grams for a double shot)
• Filtered water (for brewing)

Equipment:

• Espresso machine (with a portafilter)
• Coffee grinder (preferably burr grinder for consistency)
• Tamper (for evenly tamping the grounds)
• Scale (optional, for accuracy)

Steps:

1. Grind the Coffee
   • Use a burr grinder to grind the coffee beans to a fine, sand-like consistency. For espresso, the grind should be finer than table salt.
   • Dose: Aim for about 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot (adjust based on your preferences and machine). If you have a scale, you can measure the coffee precisely.
2. Preheat the Espresso Machine
   • Turn on your espresso machine and allow it to fully heat up. This typically takes around 15–30 minutes, depending on the machine.
3. Prepare the Portafilter
   • Place the portafilter on the scale (if using) and dose the ground coffee into the portafilter basket. Ensure it’s evenly distributed.
4. Tamp the Coffee
   • Use a tamper to press the coffee grounds evenly into the portafilter. Apply firm, even pressure to create a flat, smooth surface. An uneven tamp can result in channeling (water flowing unevenly through the grounds).
5. Lock the Portafilter into the Machine
   • Insert the portafilter into the espresso machine’s group head and lock it into place.
6. Brew the Espresso
   • Start the shot. A good espresso shot typically takes about 25–30 seconds to brew, depending on your machine and grind. You’re aiming for 1:2 ratio – meaning if you start with 18–20 grams of ground coffee, you should end up with about 36–40 grams of espresso.
   • The shot should have a smooth, rich flavor with a layer of golden crema on top. If the shot is too fast (under-extracted), try a finer grind. If it’s too slow (over-extracted), try a coarser grind.
7. Serve
   • Serve the espresso immediately in a pre-warmed espresso cup. You can drink it straight or use it as a base for drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.

Tips:

• Freshness is key: Grind your coffee just before brewing to preserve its aroma and flavor.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to tweak the grind size, dose, or extraction time until you find the balance that works best for you.
• Cleanliness: Keep your espresso machine and portafilter clean for consistent results and to maintain the flavor.