“Arabica coffee” is a general term used to describe how coffee is made in most Arab countries throughout the Middle East. They say that there are many ways it is used from different regions, including how the beans are roasted and what spices and flavorings are added to them. Arabica coffee is prepared on a stove called "dallah", poured into a thermos and served in small glasses called "finjaan". You might be surprised to find out how different it is from western coffee, but after a few sips, you'll be making this coffee for your guests.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Arabica coffee powder
- 3 glasses of water
- 1 tablespoon cardamom powder or cardamom that has been crushed
- 5-6 cloves (optional)
- Pinch of turmeric (optional)
- 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing the Ingredients
Step 1. Buy Arabica coffee
You can buy coffee beans that have been roasted or ground coffee. Look for Arabica beans that go through a mild to medium roasting process.
- Some shops that specialize in selling coffee or online sellers offer Arabica coffee mixed with certain spices. Since this does not allow you to adjust the ratio according to your taste, you are better off buying Arabica coffee.
- As an option, you can buy unroasted Arabica coffee beans and roast them yourself.
Step 2. Grind the coffee when it is roasted
You can use a grinder at the store or at home.
Some opinions suggest using a coarse grind, others suggest making a very fine powder. Give it a try and see what suits your taste
Step 3. Mash the cardamom fruit
You can use a mortar and pestle to do this, or the back of a spoon.
Step 4. Grind the coffee beans
Take the seeds from the fruit and put them in a coffee grinder. Grind until the seeds become a fine powder.
Step 5. Reheat in the thermos
If you plan to serve your coffee in a thermos, as is done in the Middle East, reheat it by filling it with boiling water.
Method 2 of 3: Making Coffee
Step 1. Heat the water in the dallah. Use 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
If you don't have a dallah, you can use a pan or cezve from Turkey
Step 2. Remove the dallah from the stove for 30 seconds
Let stand and cool for a while.
Meanwhile, reduce the heat on the stove
Step 3. Put the coffee in the water and reheat the dallah on the stove
You don't have to stir the coffee, as the boiling itself already incorporates the powder in the water.
Step 4. Brew the coffee over low heat
After 10-12 minutes, the foam will begin to rise to the surface of the pan.
Do not let the coffee boil as it will burn it. When the coffee starts to boil, remove the dallah from the stove. Immediately turn off the heat before returning the dallah to the stove
Step 5. Turn off the stove and let the pot sit for a while
If you are using an electric stove that takes time to cool, remove the pot immediately.
Step 6. Remove the pan from the stove and let the foam sit
When the foam has reduced, add cardamom.
You can also add turmeric at this step if you wish
Step 7. Return the coffee to the stove and cook until almost boiling
This step will also form the foam as in the first step above.
Step 8. Remove the coffee from the stove and let it rest for 5 minutes
The coffee grounds will return to the bottom.
Step 9. Get your thermos ready
Discard all water used for heating. If you are using turmeric and/or rosewater, put it in an empty thermos.
Step 10. Pour the coffee into the thermos until the coffee grounds are visible
When you see powder in the coffee, stop to pour. A little coffee with the ground will be left at the bottom of the dallah.
You can also pour coffee using a filter. This can filter the coffee's spices and sediments, but this is not a mandatory step
Step 11. Let the coffee rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then serve
For traditional serving, usually use a small glass on a serving plate.
- Traditionally, small glasses are filled no more than halfway.
- Since Arabica coffee is usually made without the use of sugar, it will be served with something sweet like dates.
- Milk is generally not added to Arabica coffee. If you prefer to add milk, remember that lightly roasted coffee is better served without milk.
Method 3 of 3: Drink Arabica Coffee
Step 1. Use your right hand to pour, receive and while drinking coffee, you will be considered rude by using your left hand
Step 2. Offer multiple servings
A guest will usually receive more than one glass, and usually must drink at least 3 glasses in a visit.
Step 3. Rotate your glass to indicate that you are done
Do this to let the host know that you are ready for the next glass.
