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Loading...Mate cocido is Uruguay's comforting everyday hot drink, brewed like tea from steeped yerba mate leaves rather than sipped from a traditional gourd. Served at breakfast or merienda with warm milk and sugar, it's smoother and milder than classic mate and pairs perfectly with pastries. This easy stovetop version brings the ritual home in under 15 minutes.
Prep Time3 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time13 mins
Servings4
Yield4 cups
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 95 kcalCalories
- 3 gFat
- 1.5 gSaturated Fat
- 14 gCarbs
- 0 gFiber
- 13 gSugar
- 3 gProtein
- 40 mgSodium
- 180 mgPotassium
- 110 mgCalcium
- 0.6 mgIron
- 0 mgVitamin C
- 60 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the Brew
- 4 tablespoons loose yerba mate (or 4 yerba mate tea bags)
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For Serving
- 1 cup whole milk (or to taste)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar, honey, or dulce de leche
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting
Directions
- Bring the filtered water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan, then reduce heat to low so the water just stops bubbling.
- Add the loose yerba mate (or tea bags) and the cinnamon stick, pushing the leaves down to fully submerge them.
- Simmer gently, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes to extract a rich, golden-brown brew without making it bitter.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher, or remove the tea bags and cinnamon stick.
- In a separate small saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until steaming and just beginning to bubble around the edges; do not let it boil over.
- Pour the hot mate brew into four mugs, filling each about two-thirds full, then top with the warm milk.
- Sweeten each cup with sugar, honey, or a spoonful of dulce de leche and stir until completely dissolved.
- Dust lightly with ground cinnamon, taste for sweetness, and serve immediately while piping hot.
Cook’s Notes
- Use filtered water and avoid a hard rolling boil after steeping to keep the brew smooth and prevent bitterness.
- For an extra-creamy version, replace half the milk with evaporated milk or stir in a tablespoon of dulce de leche per cup.
- Mate cocido can be reheated gently the next day, but reboiling fresh leaves yields the brightest flavor.
- Loose yerba mate gives a deeper, more authentic flavor than bagged versions; look for Argentine or Uruguayan brands like Canarias or Cruz de Malta.
- Serve alongside medialunas, bizcochos, or buttered toast for a classic Uruguayan merienda.
