I have always been a fan of a good cup of coffee, and when it comes to South Indian filter coffee, there is nothing quite like it. The rich aroma, the strong taste, and the velvety texture make it a true delight to the senses. Having grown up in Kumbakonam, a small town in Tamil Nadu renowned for its coffee, I have had the privilege of learning the art of making authentic South Indian filter coffee. In this article, I will share with you my step-by-step guide on how to make Kumbakonam degree coffee, so you too can experience the true essence of South Indian coffee.
Gathering the Ingredients and Tools
The first step in making Kumbakonam degree coffee is gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– Freshly roasted coffee beans (medium or dark roast)
– Finely ground chicory (optional, but adds a unique flavor)
– Filtered water
– Sugar
– Milk
Tools:
– South Indian coffee filter set
– Coffee grinder or mortar and pestle
– Saucepan or kettle
– Stainless steel tumbler and dabarah (traditional coffee cup and saucer)
– Spoon for stirring
Preparing the Coffee Decoction
The key to making authentic South Indian filter coffee lies in the preparation of the coffee decoction. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect coffee concentrate:
Step 1: Grinding the Coffee Beans
Start by grinding the coffee beans to a fine powder. If you prefer a strong and bold flavor, use a higher coffee-to-chicory ratio. For a milder taste, reduce the amount of coffee and chicory. I recommend using a 2:1 ratio of coffee to chicory for a balanced flavor.
Step 2: Assembling the Coffee Filter
Place the coffee filter set on top of the dabarah (saucer). The dabarah is used to collect the brewed coffee. Open the top chamber of the filter and add the ground coffee-chicory mixture to it. Gently press it down using the perforated disc provided with the filter. Ensure that the top chamber is tightly closed.
Step 3: Boiling the Water
Boil the filtered water in a saucepan or kettle. South Indian coffee is traditionally brewed with water from the first boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, carefully pour it into the top chamber of the coffee filter. Be cautious as the hot water can cause burns if it comes into contact with your skin.
Step 4: Brewing the Coffee Decoction
Allow the water to slowly percolate through the coffee, dripping into the dabarah below. The process takes around 10-15 minutes. You can adjust the strength of the coffee decoction by varying the time it takes for the water to pass through the coffee. For a stronger brew, allow it to drip slower by tightening the top chamber. For a milder brew, loosen the chamber slightly.
Preparing the Coffee
Once the coffee decoction is ready, it’s time to make a cup of aromatic South Indian filter coffee.
Step 1: Boiling the Milk
While the coffee decoction is dripping, heat the desired amount of milk in a saucepan until it comes to a gentle boil. South Indian filter coffee is traditionally made with equal parts coffee decoction and milk, but you can adjust the ratio according to your preference.
Step 2: Sweetening the Coffee
During this step, you have the option to add sugar to your coffee cup. I recommend adding sugar while the milk is boiling to ensure even distribution. Start with a teaspoon of sugar and adjust according to your taste.
Step 3: Mixing the Coffee
Now comes the fun part—mixing the perfect cup of South Indian filter coffee. Start by pouring the desired amount of coffee decoction into a stainless steel tumbler. Then, pour an equal amount of boiled milk into the tumbler. Holding the tumbler at a height, pour the coffee mixture back and forth between the tumbler and dabarah a few times. This process, known as “metering,” helps in blending the flavors and achieving the authentic frothy texture.
Step 4: Enjoying your Cup of Coffee
Finally, pour the coffee into a traditional dabarah, and savor the rich aroma and taste of Kumbakonam degree coffee. It pairs exceptionally well with traditional South Indian breakfast items like idli, dosa, or vada.
Conclusion
Making Kumbakonam degree coffee is an art, and nothing beats the satisfaction of brewing and enjoying an authentic cup of South Indian filter coffee. By following this guide and using the right ingredients and techniques, you can replicate the flavors of Kumbakonam in your own home. So grab your coffee beans, filter, and let the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fill your kitchen as you embark on this delightful coffee-making journey!