Making authentic Arabic coffee at home is surprisingly simple — you just need the right ingredients and a little patience. Here's our step-by-step guide to brewing gahwa (قهوة) that would make any Arab grandmother proud.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons coarsely ground Arabic coffee (light roast)
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons ground cardamom (or 8-10 crushed pods)
- Pinch of saffron threads (optional)
- 1-2 whole cloves (optional)
Equipment
- A dallah, Arabic coffee pot, or small saucepan
- Finjan cups (80ml or 100ml)
- A fine strainer
Method
Step 1: Bring water to a boil in your dallah or pot.
Step 2: Add the coffee grounds. Stir once.
Step 3: Add cardamom (and saffron/cloves if using). Stir gently.
Step 4: Bring back to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to the lowest heat. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat. Let the grounds settle for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Pour through a strainer into your finjan cups, filling each one-third full.
Tips for the Best Gahwa
Use the lightest roast you can find — Arabic coffee should be golden, not brown. Fresh cardamom makes a huge difference. Don't rush the simmer — the slow extraction is what gives gahwa its distinctive flavor. Serve immediately with dates.
Complete your gahwa setup with the right cups.
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