Madras Filter Coffee, also known as South Indian filter coffee, is an aromatic and flavorful beverage that has been enjoyed by people in the southern part of India for centuries. It is prepared using a unique method that involves a specific type of coffee filter and a blend of coffee beans and chicory. In this article, I will guide you through the process of making Madras Filter Coffee, step by step. So, let’s get started!
Gathering the Ingredients
The first step in making Madras Filter Coffee is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need the following:
1. Coffee Beans: Look for a good quality, medium to dark roasted coffee beans. A blend of 80% coffee beans and 20% chicory is commonly used in South India for making filter coffee.
2. Chicory: Chicory is a root that is often used as a coffee substitute or added to enhance the flavor of coffee. It adds a unique and slightly bitter taste to the filter coffee. You can find chicory in most grocery stores or online.
3. Coffee Filter: The traditional way of making Madras Filter Coffee involves using a stainless-steel coffee filter. It consists of two cylindrical cups, one with small holes and the other with a plunger.
4. Milk: South Indian filter coffee is made with a combination of coffee decoction (brewed coffee) and milk. You can use either cow’s milk or plant-based milk of your choice.
5. Water: Filter coffee requires a specific ratio of coffee to water. Make sure you have clean drinking water to brew the coffee.
Brewing the Coffee
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start brewing the coffee. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Assembling the Coffee Filter
Take the coffee filter and disassemble it. You will have three parts – the upper cup, the lower cup, and the plunger. Place the upper cup on a flat surface.
Step 2: Adding Coffee and Chicory
Measure approximately three tablespoons of coffee and chicory mixture and add it to the upper cup of the filter. Adjust the quantity according to your preference for the strength of the coffee.
Step 3: Tamping
Using the back of a spoon, gently press down on the coffee powder to compact it. This process is called tamping. Make sure the coffee powder is evenly distributed and tamped down firmly.
Step 4: Fitting the Plunger
Fit the plunger onto the upper cup of the coffee filter. Ensure that it fits snugly, creating a seal.
Step 5: Boiling Water
Boil water separately in a kettle or a pot. Measure approximately double the amount of water compared to the coffee powder used. For example, if you have used three tablespoons of coffee powder, you will need six tablespoons of water.
Step 6: Pouring Water
Slowly pour the hot water into the upper cup of the coffee filter. The water should be added up to the brim of the upper cup. Be careful not to overflow while pouring.
Step 7: Waiting for Coffee Decoction
Now, cover the coffee filter with the lid or a plate and let it sit undisturbed for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the water to percolate through the coffee powder and extract the flavors, resulting in the coffee decoction.
Preparing the Coffee
Once the coffee decoction is ready, we can move on to the next stage of preparing the coffee. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Heating Milk
In a separate pot, heat the milk. The amount of milk to be used depends on individual preference. For a standard cup of filter coffee, around 150ml of milk is generally used.
Step 2: Mixing Coffee Decoction and Milk
Take a serving cup or tumbler and pour the desired amount of coffee decoction into it. Add an equal amount of hot milk to the cup. You can adjust the ratio of coffee decoction to milk according to your taste preference.
Step 3: Frothing the Coffee
To create a nice froth on top, hold the serving cup in one hand and pour the coffee back into the tumbler from a little height. Repeat this process a couple of times until a frothy layer forms on top.
Step 4: Sweetening the Coffee
Traditionally, Madras Filter Coffee is enjoyed with a hint of sweetness. Add sugar or any other sweetener of your choice to the coffee and stir well until it dissolves completely.
Step 5: Serving the Coffee
Your Madras Filter Coffee is now ready to be served. Pour the hot coffee into small stainless steel cups called “dabarah” and “tumbler.” The tumbler is used to drink the coffee, while the dabarah is used as a saucer to cool the coffee before sipping.
Final Thoughts
Madras Filter Coffee is not just a beverage; it is a cherished part of South Indian culture and heritage. The unique aroma and taste of this traditional delight are sure to leave you craving for more. Whether you like it strong or mellow, the process of making filter coffee is a labor of love that results in a cup of pure bliss. So, don’t hesitate to try this age-old recipe at home and enjoy the rich flavors of Madras Filter Coffee for yourself.