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Filter coffee, is a warm and comforting beverage crafted from a blend of ground coffee and chicory seeds. It undergoes a special journey through a filter to create what we call the coffee decoction. Once brewed, it’s mixed with milk and sugar (if you like it sweet) and served piping hot. This beloved drink has its roots firmly planted in South India and is affectionately known as “filter kaapi.” It’s similar to a French press but with its own unique filter system.
For me, filter coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a morning ritual, a gentle nudge to wake up and start the day. Unlike chai, which doesn’t agree with my stomach, coffee gives me comfort as well as a wake-up call.
So, guess what’s on my menu every morning? You guessed it – coffee! And not just any coffee, but it has to be Filter Coffee.
I remember watching my grandmother prepare coffee for my grandfather when I was a child. She’d boil milk and add instant coffee powder, creating a drink that was more milk than coffee. Back then, I thought that was how all coffee was made. But everything changed during my visit to Hyderabad during college years.
It was there that I discovered filter coffee, and I instantly fell in love. The aroma, the flavor – it captivated me, and I never looked back. When I moved to the US, though, finding the time to make traditional filter coffee became a challenge. That’s when I stumbled upon the Imusa coffee maker.
And let me tell you, my life changed the moment I got my hands on this little gem. Now, this isn’t a sponsored post by Imusa, but I genuinely adore the way it brews my coffee. Especially when I use Cothas Coffee powder(again, not sponsored by them), a blend of coffee and chicory beans, it takes me back to that first sip of filter coffee in Hyderabad.
Sure, you can use any ground coffee with this maker, but if you want that authentic filter coffee experience, go for the blend with chicory seeds. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Ingredients
ground coffee and chicory beans (preferably Cothas Coffee Powder), filtered water, Sugar (as per taste), Milk, Whipping Cream (optional), cinnamon powder(optional)
Instructions
- Begin by disassembling the Imusa Espresso Maker. Fill the lower chamber with filtered water up to the safety valve.
- Fill the filter basket with coffee blend. Add the coffee powder slowly so that it is evenly spread out in the filter. For an extra indulgent treat, add a dash of cardamom or cinnamon while brewing.
- Screw the top and bottom chambers together securely. Place the espresso maker on a stovetop over medium heat.
- As the water heats up, it will gradually percolate through the coffee grounds, extracting their flavor and aroma. You’ll soon notice the rich, dark coffee collecting in the upper chamber.
- Once all the coffee has brewed into the upper chamber, remove the espresso maker from the heat.
- Pour the freshly brewed coffee into traditional South Indian stainless steel tumbler and a davarah (a stainless steel saucer with lipped walls – resembling a ramekin). The coffee is passed back and forth in between them from a height to aerate and enhance the flavor .
- Heat milk with cream separately. Add sugar to taste if desired.
- Serve the coffee hot along with cookies or savory snacks.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy your South Indian style filter coffee with a traditional South Indian breakfast like dosa, idli, or vada for an authentic experience.
- Pair it with some crispy murukku or savory snacks for a delightful evening treat.
Tips and Tricks
- Experiment with different ratios of coffee to water to find your perfect strength.
- Clean your espresso maker regularly to maintain its performance and flavor.
- Use freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor and aroma.
- You can also add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon at the end for a unique flavor twist.
- Preheat the cups before serving to keep the coffee warm for longer.
- Don’t let the coffee sit on the heat for too long to avoid bitterness.
- Store your coffee beans in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve freshness.
Meal Prep Tip
Making filter coffee in advance can be challenging because the decoction might lose its aroma and taste after a while. But, there are some brands you can find online or in stores that keep their quality over time. These can be a lifesaver for quick filter coffee when you’re short on time. This brand is my favorite available on eBay(not sponsored).
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee for this recipe?
A: While freshly ground coffee beans yield the best flavor, pre-ground coffee can also be used. Just ensure it’s a medium-coarse grind suitable for espresso makers.
Q: How do I clean the Imusa Espresso Maker?
A: Disassemble the espresso maker and hand wash it with mild detergent after each use. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before reassembling.
Q: Can I use dairy-free milk alternatives?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use almond, soy, or any other milk alternative of your choice.
Other Recipes to Try:
Filter Coffee
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground coffee and chicory beans preferably Cothas Coffee Powder
- 1/4 cup filtered water
- 1-2 tablespoons Sugar as per taste
- 1.5 cups Milk as per taste
- 1/4 cup Whipping Cream optional
- A dash of cinnamon powder optional
Instructions
- Begin by disassembling the Imusa Espresso Maker. Fill the lower chamber with filtered water up to the safety valve.
- Fill the filter basket with coffee blend. Add the coffee powder slowly so that it is evenly spread out in the filter. For an extra indulgent treat, add a dash of cardamom or cinnamon while brewing.
- Screw the top and bottom chambers together securely. Place the espresso maker on a stovetop over medium heat.
- As the water heats up, it will gradually percolate through the coffee grounds, extracting their flavor and aroma. You’ll soon notice the rich, dark coffee collecting in the upper chamber.
- Once all the coffee has brewed into the upper chamber, remove the espresso maker from the heat.
- Pour the freshly brewed coffee into traditional South Indian stainless steel tumbler and a davarah (a stainless steel saucer with lipped walls – resembling a ramekin). The coffee is passed back and forth in between them from a height to aerate and enhance the flavor.
- Heat milk with cream separately. Add sugar to taste if desired.
- Serve the coffee hot along with cookies or savory snacks.
Notes
- Enjoy your South Indian style filter coffee with a traditional South Indian breakfast like dosa, idli, or vada for an authentic experience.
- Pair it with some crispy murukku or savory snacks for a delightful evening treat.
- Experiment with different ratios of coffee to water to find your perfect strength.
- Clean your espresso maker regularly to maintain its performance and flavor.
- Use freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor and aroma.
- You can also add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon at the end for a unique flavor twist.
- Preheat the cups before serving to keep the coffee warm for longer.
- Don’t let the coffee sit on the heat for too long to avoid bitterness.
- Store your coffee beans in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve freshness.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @amusingcooker on Instagram and hashtag it #amusingcooker.