Moroccan Mint Tea

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 2 tbsp Chinese gunpowder green tea
• 1 large bunch fresh spearmint (about 1 oz)
• 4 tbsp granulated sugar, or to taste
• Additional fresh mint sprigs for serving
• 1/4 cup boiling water for rinsing tea

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a kettle or saucepan.
2. Add the gunpowder green tea to a traditional Moroccan teapot or heat-safe teapot. Pour about 1/4 cup boiling water over the tea leaves, swirl gently for 30 seconds to rinse away bitterness, then carefully discard this water while keeping the tea leaves in the pot.
3. Add the sugar to the teapot with the rinsed tea leaves. Stuff the entire bunch of fresh spearmint into the pot, pressing it down gently.
4. Pour the remaining boiling water over the tea, mint, and sugar. Allow to steep for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
5. Pour a glass of tea, then pour it back into the pot. Repeat this process 2-3 times to mix the ingredients thoroughly and dissolve the sugar completely.
6. Serve by pouring from at least 12 inches above the glass to create a frothy top. Garnish each glass with a fresh sprig of mint and serve immediately.