Turkish coffee is known for its strong, rich flavor and unique brewing process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a great cup of Turkish coffee:
Ingredients and Equipment:
Finely ground Turkish coffee (ideally fresh and roasted to your liking)
Cold water
Sugar (optional)
Cardamom (optional)
A small, special pot called a “cezve” or “ibrik”
A heat source (stove or hot plate)
A small spoon
Demitasse cups
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Measure: Use a traditional Turkish coffee cup or a small demitasse cup as your measuring tool. For each cup of coffee, you’ll need one full cup of water.
Grind the Coffee: Turkish coffee requires an extremely fine grind, almost as fine as powdered sugar. If you have pre-ground coffee, make sure it’s specifically labeled as Turkish coffee. If you have whole beans, you can have them ground at a coffee shop.
Water and Sugar: Add the measured cold water to the cezve or ibrik. If you prefer your Turkish coffee sweet, you can add sugar to taste. A common measurement is one heaping teaspoon of sugar for each cup of water. You can also add a pinch of ground cardamom at this stage for extra flavor.
Coffee Grounds: Add one heaping teaspoon of finely ground coffee per cup of water directly to the cold water in the cezve. Do not stir yet.
Stir and Dissolve: Gently stir the coffee into the water with a small spoon. Do not stir again after this point.
Place the cezve on the heat source.
Heat Slowly: Heat the coffee mixture slowly over low to medium heat. It’s crucial not to rush this process. Let the coffee come to a simmer gradually. This is an essential step in achieving the right texture and foam on top.
Foam Formation: As the coffee heats, it will start to froth and form a foam on top. This foam, known as “kaymak,” is a sign that the coffee is brewing correctly.
Just as the foam begins to rise and before it overflows, remove the cezve from the heat. Do not let it boil over.
Serve: Carefully pour the coffee into demitasse cups, making sure each cup gets some foam.
Wait for a moment to let the grounds settle before serving.
Turkish coffee is traditionally served with a glass of cold water and possibly a piece of Turkish delight or a small dessert.
Enjoy: Sip your Turkish coffee slowly, savoring the rich flavors and the grounds at the bottom of the cup. Do not drink the grounds at the bottom.
Turkish coffee is as much about the experience as it is about the taste. It’s a unique brewing method that has been enjoyed for centuries, and with practice, you can perfect your own cup of this strong, aromatic coffee.
