Qahwa Arabeya

Qahwa Arabeya Recipe - A Taste of Arabia with Cardamom, Coffee, and Saffron

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 3

Introduction

Qahwa Arabeya is a traditional Arabic coffee that is known for its rich and aromatic flavors. This coffee is often served during special occasions and gatherings, and is a symbol of hospitality in many Arab cultures.

History

Qahwa Arabeya has a long history that dates back to ancient times in the Arabian Peninsula. It was traditionally prepared using a special pot called a dallah and served in small cups called finjan. The coffee was often flavored with spices such as cardamom and saffron, giving it a unique and exotic taste.

Ingredients

3 cups of water
3 tbsp of coarsely ground cardamom
2 tbsp of Arabic coffee
0.25 tsp of saffron (optional)

How to prepare

Boil the water in a pot. Add the coffee to the water and simmer over low heat.
Remove from the heat and let the coffee settle for five minutes.
Place the cardamom in the pot, strain the coffee into it, and add the saffron.
Bring the mixture to a boil once again and serve.

Variations

For a sweeter version of Qahwa Arabeya, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to the coffee mixture before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of Qahwa Arabeya, it is important to use freshly ground coffee beans and high-quality cardamom. Be sure to simmer the coffee over low heat to prevent it from boiling over, and allow it to settle before serving to ensure a smooth and rich taste.

Serving Suggestions

Qahwa Arabeya is best served hot in small Arabic coffee cups alongside dates or traditional Arabic sweets.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a perfect cup of Qahwa Arabeya is to simmer the coffee over low heat and allow it to settle before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Arabic coffee, you can use any dark roast coffee beans as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Qahwa Arabeya can be prepared ahead of time and stored in a thermos to keep it warm until serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Qahwa Arabeya in traditional Arabic coffee cups on a decorative tray for an authentic and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Qahwa Arabeya pairs well with dates, baklava, or other Middle Eastern desserts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Qahwa Arabeya can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Qahwa Arabeya contains approximately 10 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Qahwa Arabeya contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Qahwa Arabeya contains approximately 0 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Qahwa Arabeya contains approximately 0 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Qahwa Arabeya is a good source of antioxidants and may contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B2 and magnesium.

Alergens

Qahwa Arabeya is a gluten-free and dairy-free beverage, making it suitable for individuals with food allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

Qahwa Arabeya is a low-calorie beverage that is rich in antioxidants and free from fats and proteins.

Summary

Qahwa Arabeya is a traditional Arabic coffee that is rich in flavor and history. This aromatic beverage is perfect for serving during special occasions and gatherings, and is sure to impress your guests with its exotic taste.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory. It was during my travels in the Middle East, many years ago, when I stumbled upon a small café in the heart of Cairo. The aroma of rich, fragrant spices wafted through the air, drawing me in like a magnet. As I sat down at a wooden table, a kind elderly woman approached me with a smile, offering me a steaming cup of Qahwa Arabeya.

I took a sip, and instantly I was transported to a different world. The warm, comforting blend of coffee and spices danced on my taste buds, leaving me speechless. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this exquisite drink.

I struck up a conversation with the woman, who introduced herself as Um Ahmed, and asked her about the ingredients and process behind Qahwa Arabeya. She smiled warmly and invited me into her kitchen, where she revealed her secrets to me.

Um Ahmed began by roasting green coffee beans in a pan over a low flame, patiently stirring them until they turned a deep, dark brown. The scent that filled the room was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

Once the beans were roasted to perfection, Um Ahmed ground them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. She then added a mixture of ground cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves to the coffee, along with a generous pinch of saffron. The combination of spices was what gave Qahwa Arabeya its unique and delightful flavor.

Next, Um Ahmed boiled water in a small copper pot and added the coffee grounds and spices to create a thick, strong brew. She let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, before pouring it into delicate porcelain cups.

I watched in awe as she served me a steaming cup of Qahwa Arabeya, topped with a sprinkle of ground pistachios. I took a sip, and it was as delicious as I remembered. The warm, spicy notes of the coffee blended perfectly with the nutty flavor of the pistachios, creating a drink that was truly unforgettable.

Um Ahmed smiled as she saw the joy on my face, knowing that she had passed on her cherished recipe to someone who appreciated it as much as she did. I thanked her profusely, promising to treasure the recipe and share it with my loved ones back home.

After bidding farewell to Um Ahmed and the café, I returned to my own kitchen with a newfound sense of excitement. I couldn't wait to recreate the magic of Qahwa Arabeya for my family and friends, introducing them to a taste of the Middle East that would stay with them forever.

Over the years, I have continued to make Qahwa Arabeya for special occasions and gatherings, sharing the story of how I learned the recipe from Um Ahmed in Cairo. Each time I brew a fresh pot of this fragrant, spiced coffee, I am reminded of that fateful day and the kindness of a stranger who shared her culinary secrets with me.

As I sit here now, savoring a cup of Qahwa Arabeya in the comfort of my own home, I am grateful for the journey that led me to this exquisite drink. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us with people and places, and to create memories that last a lifetime. And for that, I am forever thankful.