How to Make Turkish Coffee ~ the perfect cup of coffee might not be from Starbucks after all ~ this sensuous Middle Eastern cardamom laced coffee is full-bodied, fragrant, and utterly delicious.
Why am I so interested in how to make Turkish coffee? It’s a story…
My youngest daughter is spending her summer in the Middle East on a fellowship from college. I haven’t mentioned it before because, to be honest, it’s had me on edge having her so far away and in such an unstable part of the world. She is young, inexperienced, and alone, as her fellowship allowed her to experience the culture outside the confines of a formal program, like a University. So she has rented an apartment, is eating street food, mingling with the locals, and having a generally life-altering experience.
I, on the other hand, am having a wee bit of trouble sleeping at night knowing that, with the 10 hour time difference, she is just starting her day on the other side of the globe as my head hits the pillow. It’s no wonder my nightly wine and my morning coffee are so important to me these days. She’s due back a week from Wednesday.
One of the many wonderful things she’s discovered this summer is Turkish coffee. Did you know that coffee is an Arabic invention? It dates all the way back to the 13th century when the beans were discovered in Ethiopia. Turkish coffee is a method, not a type of bean. It is basically very very finely ground coffee, stirred right into the water, boiled briefly, and then served in very small cups, only 2-3 oz at a time. Sometimes it’s spiced with cardamom, which is the way I like it. In the Middle East it’s considered impolite to decline an offer of coffee, so my non-coffee drinking daughter quickly took to it.
You don’t have to have any special equipment, you can use a small saucepan, but I found this inexpensive Turkish Ibrik, or long handled copper pot, at Cost Plus World Market. You can buy them lots of places online, too. Any strong coffee bean will work, but it has to be very finely ground. The coffee grinder at Cost Plus actually had a Turkish Coffee setting, which is even finer than Espresso, or, as the card that came with my Ibrik says, ‘fine as dust’. This is important because the very fine grind allows the coffee to partially dissolve in the water, making a very potent taste. So grind your beans on the finest setting possible.
Starbucks has grinders equipped with a Turkish setting, so they can grind it for you. If you get excited by this kind of coffee you can buy beautiful brass Turkish coffee grinders, which cost about $50-$100.
I’m sharing a very basic version of the coffee, there are many variations and subtleties, but this is a good way to get introduced to the unique experience of this drink. The technique goes like this—for 2 (3 ounce) cups of coffee take 6 ounces of water and put it in the pot. Bring the water up to a boil, then take it off the heat and stir in the coffee, sugar, and cardamom. Put the pot back on the heat and let it boil again. When foam rises up in the pan, take it off the heat and let the foam settle. Let the coffee settle in the pan for about a minute, then pour the rich coffee into two small cups.
Arabic coffee is a very luxurious experience, it’s fragrant and rich. It is distinguished by a fine sludge left in the cup after drinking. The popular custom, which goes back to ancient times, is to have your fortune told by the patterns left behind in your cup. It’s called Tasseography, and it’s done with tea leaves, too.
I’m pretty sure mine says that my daughter will get home safe and sound next week, a profoundly changed and broader person. I think it also says that I’ll soon be sleeping a whole lot better ;
I actually found my Grandmother’s Sterling silver Lenox Turkish Coffee set ~ I never knew what it was for until now, what fun! I guess there’s more to serious coffee than Starbucks 🙂
For more Turkish coffee inspired recipes, try my buttery Turkish Coffee Shortbread Cookies, and my Turkish Coffee Popsicles.
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How to Make Turkish Coffee
Ingredients
- 6 ounces filtered water
- 4 tsp very finely ground coffee
- pinch freshly ground cardamom
- 2 tsp sugar, optional
Instructions
- Pour the water into a small pot and bring it to a boil. Take it off the heat and stir in the coffee, cardamom, and sugar (if you're using it). Return the pot to the heat just until it begins to bubble up ~ then take it off again.
- Let it rest for a moment so the grounds settle, then pour gently into your 2 small cups ~ grounds and all. Sip slowly and don’t worry about the sediment at the bottom, that’s all part of the charm.
Notes
- Turkish coffee is not a type of coffee, you can use any variety you like. The key is to grind it extra finely.
Nutrition
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As a coffee addict, and mother of three daughters, one of whom I sent away from home for collage, I get “help to sleep, help to wake” routine. I’ve seen this lot at World Market many times and wondered what it was for. I will definitely be trying this. Thanks!
One of my college bound daughters took my pot with her to campus— I have to find another one, good to know they have them at Cost Plus. I really like the flavor combination of coffee and cardamom and I’ve used it many times in things like blondies, tuuffles, etc. Thanks for visiting Kara!
Where I am from in Iowa there was a large Croatian population. My niece’s grandmother is Croatian and this is how she makes her coffee. It really is one of the best ways to make a get-ya-going cup o’ joe.
as obsessed as i am with coffee, i’m surprised i’m unfamiliar with all this! HOW COOL to read your fortune from the dregs in the cup!
Us Arabs make coffee in a very similar way. Maybe I’m biased but i think this method makes coffee that is so, so, so much more tastier than you get in a French press or dripper.
My husband (being Turkish Cypriot) must have his coffee after dinner every evening, as he has a sweet tooth his turkish coffee is always the sweetest version i.e. two teaspoons of sugar. Love your coffee pot.
Hi there! found your blog when looking for something ? and can’t wait to make the southern tomato pie. I remember having coffee similar to this when I was spending time with a Persian family, and yes, they always read the sludge left in the cup. I understand what it is like to have a child so far away…plus in an unstable part of the world. Wishing her safe travels and a good nights sleep for you.
What a great post, I have a friend who makes Turkish coffee, but am now thinking I must have a go. It’s 7.30am here and I’m sipping my first Breton coffee of the day.
I’m sure your daughter is having a wonderful life enhancing experience, but I do understand your anxiety, my elder son is back for a further three months to Afghanistan today, and I know that the last two weeks of peaceful sleep will evaporate.
My nephew’s wife went to Trinity and Dublin is a beautiful and exciting city, so your younger daughter should have a great time, if you do go to visit you should tag a few days in England on. If you get to London do get in touch.
Scott and I spent a few weeks in Turkey several years ago on a mission trip and you are totally correct, the coffee is fantastic, thanks for this wonderful reminder and inspiration to be able to re-produce it here! I’m sure just a sip of this delicious coffee makes you feel just a bit closer to your daughter. Having had our daughter spend a year in Germany at 17 ears old helps me to understand your state of mind. It will definitely make her a better person and it will be a huge influence for her future. thanks, Sue, so enjoyed reading this post!
I’ve never tried this but would in a heartbeat! What a wonderful adventure your daughter is having. That must be hard for you – I know it would be for me! Hang in there and add one extra glass of wine before bed – blogger orders!
Greeks and Macedonians also drink this coffee and it’s so good! Great post!
I read that, I wonder if they do anything differently.