Qishr

Qishr Recipe - A Traditional Yemeni Coffee Drink

Region / culture: Yemen | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Qishr is a traditional Yemeni coffee made with a unique blend of spices. It is a popular drink enjoyed by many in Yemen and other parts of the Middle East. This recipe combines the rich flavors of coffee with the warmth of ginger, creating a delicious and aromatic beverage.

History

Qishr has been a staple in Yemeni culture for centuries. It is often served during social gatherings and special occasions. The combination of coffee and spices is believed to have originated in Yemen and has since spread to other parts of the Middle East.

Ingredients

1 cup of cold water
6 tsp of powdered coffee (not instant)
6 tsp of sugar
2 tsp of ground ginger

How to prepare

Place water in a long-handled Arabic coffee pot. Alternatively, you may use a small saucepan. Add the remaining ingredients. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and wait for the bubbles to disappear. Return to boiling and repeat this process three times. Finally, pour the mixture into demitasse cups and serve.

Variations

For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the qishr mixture. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of qishr, be sure to use freshly ground coffee and ginger. The repeated boiling process helps to extract the flavors from the spices and create a rich and aromatic drink. Serve qishr in small demitasse cups for an authentic experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve qishr with traditional Yemeni sweets such as baklava or ma'amoul for a delicious pairing.

Cooking Techniques

The repeated boiling process helps to extract the flavors from the spices and create a rich and aromatic drink.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground ginger, you can use fresh ginger slices instead. You can also use instant coffee as a substitute for powdered coffee.

Make Ahead Tips

Qishr can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve qishr in small demitasse cups for an elegant presentation. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Qishr pairs well with traditional Middle Eastern sweets such as baklava, ma'amoul, or basbousa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover qishr in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of qishr contains approximately 30 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of qishr contains approximately 6 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Qishr is a low-fat beverage, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

There is minimal protein in qishr, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Qishr contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.

Alergens

Qishr is typically free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Qishr is a low-calorie beverage that is free of common allergens. It is a flavorful and aromatic drink that can be enjoyed as a special treat.

Summary

Qishr is a traditional Yemeni coffee made with a unique blend of spices. It is a flavorful and aromatic beverage that can be enjoyed as a special treat. Serve qishr with traditional Middle Eastern sweets for a delicious pairing.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. The warm, comforting aroma of spices wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. It was a cold winter day, and my dear friend Fatima had invited me over for a cup of qishr, a traditional Yemeni drink made from coffee husks and spices.

Fatima was a talented cook, and she had learned the art of making qishr from her grandmother, who had learned it from her grandmother before her. As I watched Fatima carefully prepare the drink, I couldn't help but be fascinated by the way she handled the ingredients with such care and precision.

As she poured the coffee husks into a pot of boiling water, the rich aroma filled the room, making me feel warm and cozy. She added a generous amount of ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, stirring the mixture gently as it simmered on the stove. The spices blended together beautifully, creating a fragrant and flavorful base for the qishr.

I watched in awe as Fatima poured the hot liquid through a strainer, catching the coffee husks and leaving behind a smooth, golden elixir. She handed me a cup, and I took a tentative sip, savoring the complex flavors that danced on my tongue.

"This is delicious," I exclaimed, my eyes widening in delight. Fatima smiled, her eyes twinkling with pride.

"I'm glad you like it," she said. "Qishr is a special drink in our culture, meant to be shared with loved ones and enjoyed together."

From that moment on, I was determined to learn how to make qishr myself. I asked Fatima to teach me her grandmother's recipe, and she graciously agreed. We spent an entire afternoon in her kitchen, measuring out the ingredients and carefully following each step of the process.

I learned that qishr is not just a drink to be consumed, but a labor of love that requires patience and attention to detail. The coffee husks must be roasted and ground to perfection, the spices must be of the highest quality, and the water must be boiled at just the right temperature.

As I stirred the pot of simmering qishr, I felt a deep sense of connection to my friend Fatima and her family. I realized that recipes are more than just a list of ingredients – they are a way to preserve traditions, honor our ancestors, and share a piece of our culture with others.

After several hours of preparation, the qishr was finally ready. I poured it into cups and served it to my family, watching as their faces lit up with joy and contentment. The warm, spicy flavor of the drink filled the room, wrapping us in a blanket of comfort and nostalgia.

As I sat at the table, surrounded by my loved ones, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe to add to my collection. Qishr had become more than just a drink – it was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, create memories, and celebrate the beauty of our shared heritage.

And so, every time I make qishr now, I think of Fatima and her grandmother, and the special bond we share through this beloved recipe. It is a gift that has been passed down through generations, and I am grateful to have learned it from such a dear friend.

In the kitchen of my own cozy home, I continue to make qishr with love and care, knowing that each sip carries with it a piece of my friend's family history and the warmth of our shared culinary traditions. And as I share this drink with others, I hope to pass on the joy and comfort that qishr has brought me over the years.

For in the simple act of making and sharing qishr, I have found a connection to my past, a sense of belonging, and a delicious way to bring people together. And for that, I am forever grateful.