Hospitality is an integral part of Lebanese culture. Friends and relatives visit each other very often to show their love and support. They share qahwa or Lebanese coffee which is served in demitasses. This Lebanese coffee is a wonder in itself. A blend of strong flavors and an exotic feel is just what you will need to boost your spirits early in the day or after a day of stressful slogging or to surprise a few guests at home. That’s best done by Lebanese coffee.
Qahwa is prepared by the Lebanese in a coffee pot called rakweh, often made of brass. But you can substitute it with a normal coffee pot. It is also often flavored with cardamom. If you want to go the extra mile, better buy a few exquisite looking demitasses, but itâs not a necessity and espresso cups will do just fine.
Complexity Level: Moderate
Time Required: 15 – 20 minutes
Estimated Cost: $1-$2
Resources Required
1. Cup of water (the size of espresso cup)
2. 3 tsp. finely grounded arabica beans
3. 1/2 tsp. powdered sugar( more or less depending on personal taste)
4. Cardamom pods
Instructions
1. Get the pot ready
Pour a cup of water into the coffee pot. Add the coffee and sugar to the water and stir. (Remember that the measurements above are only for one cup, if you require more increase the quantity accordingly).
2. The making and boiling multiple times
Put the pot on a burner and heat in low flame. When the water starts boiling and rising, remove it from the burner. Make sure it does not overflow. When the foam subsides, place the pot back on the burner again and heat on low flame. You can add the cardamom if you prefer it at this stage. Repeat this process three more times. Make sure the coffee never overflows.
3. Let the coffee powder sediment
Allow the coffee powder to settle at the bottom of the pot. There will be beautiful brown foam on the top and thick sediment of coffee powder the bottom. You might have to wait a bit to have that delicious mixture go down your throat.
4. Serve dark and delicious Lebanese coffee
Pour the coffee into the prettiest demitasses you own and have it with your loved ones or surprise your guests with a Lebanese treat. It serves as the perfect leisure drink you can have while reading your books or watching television. Or do it the Lebanese way, pour it from the pot into the demitasses in front of the guests and serve it to them.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where can I buy Turkish Coffee?
You can buy it from your local store.You can also buy it on the internet. If both options are not available then Espresso Forté will do well too.
What is the difference between Lebanese Coffee and Turkish coffee?
The essential different lies in the use of cardamom, so if you skip the cardamom you are technically drinking Turkish coffee, but it tastes just as delicious, so go on.
Quick Tips
1. Try buying fresh ground coffee as it tastes better, preferably Turkish.
2. Cardamom is an usual ingredient of Lebanese coffee. If you can go without it, then do so.
3. Using pods or cardamom powder will do equally well.
4. The amount of coffee powder mentioned in this article is for strong coffee. If you prefer lighter flavor, just cut the quantity to half.
Things To Watch Out For
1. Keep your eyes on the pot, donât let the mixture overflow and burn your hand.
2. Use a pot with a handle.
3. Lebanese coffee is a strong coffee, triple strong in fact. Donât drink it before sleep or you will probably be awake for a long time.
4. Remember never let the mixture overflow. So, keep holding the handle of the pot so that you can take the coffee out of the burner before it overflows.
5. Let the coffee powder settle before drinking or the powder will end up in your mouth leaving bitter taste.
