Top 5 Middle Eastern Coffee Recipes to Try This Season

Discover the Rich Flavors of Middle Eastern Coffee

The Middle East is renowned for its rich and aromatic coffee culture, offering a delightful array of flavors that are often infused with spices and unique brewing methods. This season, why not embark on a flavorful journey with some of the best Middle Eastern coffee recipes? Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to please your palate.

1. Turkish Coffee

Turkish Coffee is perhaps one of the most famous coffee styles from the Middle East. Brewed in a special pot called a cezve, this coffee is known for its strong flavor and thick, frothy surface. What sets it apart is the method of preparation where finely ground coffee is simmered with sugar and sometimes cardamom, creating a rich and aromatic brew.

To make Turkish Coffee, you'll need:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of finely ground coffee
• Sugar to taste
• A pinch of cardamom (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a cezve and heat gently until frothy. Pour without straining into small cups and enjoy the delightful aroma and taste.

2. Arabic Coffee (Qahwa)

Arabic Coffee, or Qahwa, is another staple in Middle Eastern coffee culture. Known for its light color and distinct taste, this coffee is often served with dates. The key ingredient that sets it apart is cardamom, which gives it a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients for Arabic Coffee include:

• 3 cups of water
• 3 tablespoons of ground Arabic coffee
• 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom
• Saffron (optional)

Boil the water, add the coffee and cardamom, and let it simmer. Strain into a dallah (a traditional Arabic coffee pot) before serving.

3. Yemeni Coffee (Qishr)

Qishr is a traditional Yemeni coffee drink made using coffee husks rather than the beans. This unique method results in a lighter beverage that is often flavored with ginger and cinnamon. It's a refreshing alternative to conventional coffees.

To prepare Qishr, you'll need:

• 1 cup of coffee husks
• 4 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon of ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
• Sugar to taste

Boil the water, add all the ingredients, and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain and serve hot.

4. Lebanese Coffee

Lebanese Coffee, similar to Turkish Coffee, is known for its strong flavor. It is often brewed with cardamom and served in small cups. The process emphasizes slow brewing to extract the rich flavors of the coffee.

You will need:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 heaping tablespoon of finely ground coffee
• Sugar (optional)
• A pinch of cardamom (optional)

Combine the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil slowly. Once it starts to rise, remove it from heat and let it settle before serving.

5. Egyptian Coffee (Ahwa)

Ahwa, or Egyptian Coffee, is quite similar to Turkish Coffee but usually includes more sugar and sometimes even a drop of rosewater for a different twist. This sweet and aromatic coffee is perfect for those looking for a bit of an exotic flair in their cup.

For Egyptian Coffee, gather:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of finely ground coffee
• Sugar to taste
• A drop of rosewater (optional)

Add all ingredients to a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until frothy. Pour into small cups and enjoy the fragrant aroma.

These Middle Eastern coffee recipes offer an exciting way to explore new flavors and aromas. Whether you enjoy your coffee strong or light, sweet or spiced, there's something on this list for everyone to enjoy this season. So grab your cezve or dallah, and start brewing!