How to make masala coffee- An ultimate guide
Coffee is defined as a refreshing and instant energizer that keep you going for the whole day. From an uplifting mood to starting your lazy mornings, this hot drink is what you need every day. However, infused spices in hot coffee are not so much popular in the USA and Canada, but Indian infused coffee reenergizes your senses. This Indian delight is delved a little deeper than your morning hot coffee. Masala Coffee is a South Indian hidden gem that is yet to be discovered. It is pretty similar to the sweet Yemeni spice blend that is referred Hawaij and is native to Yemen. Don’t forget to try this spicy drink if you want a much-needed dose of energy with a punch of spices. Here’s how to make masala coffee.
What is Indian Spiced Coffee or masala coffee?
Indian spiced coffee is a famous pulled coffee from South India, which is a blend of coffee powder, milk, sugar, and ground spices. Freshly ground spices are used in this recipe that gives it an aroma. Its authentic taste depends on the spices you use to make this refreshing hot drink.
It is pretty similar to Indian masala chai, which is made with almost the same spices that are used in masala coffee. These spices carry a lot of health benefits, and the depth of flavor that they offer is due to the dried spices you add to this recipe.
There are a variety of dried spices used in this spiced coffee recipe, including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, coriander, and cloves. This traditional South Indian drink is served in metal cups. It is ideal for when it is cold outside, and you want something sweet with a spicy kick.
The dark roasted coffee beans are recommended to use when you are going to try this masala-based recipe.
How to make Masala Coffee:
This masala coffee drink is a flavorful and creamy coffee that gives you a dose of energy you need in the afternoons. With a lot of reasons to rejoice, this traditional Indian recipe is a delicious alternative to your lattes and cappuccinos. This desi-style coffee is super tasty and healthy. To enjoy its benefits to the fullest, drink it without sugar. It is easy to make, and not too much time is required to enjoy this spicy drink.
Spices
An array of spices is used in this recipe that offers the best balance of warmth, aroma, and spice.
Cardamom:
Cardamom adds fragrance to this masala coffee. Use the best quality green cardamom to make this recipe.
Cloves:
A bit bitter but warm spice which counteracts the other spices that is sweet in nature.
Ginger:
Some people use the fresh ginger piece to make this drink. However, the best way is to take pre-ground ginger powder that is ground from dry ginger. If you like the fresh ginger taste, add it in raw form.
Cinnamon:
This spice is all about adding sweetness and spice to this recipe. But keep in mind, use it in moderation, and don’t let it overpower the rest of the spices.
Peppercorn:
Peppercorns are what add fruitiness and spice to this spice-infused coffee and give it zing.
Other spices that can be a great addition:
You can add fennel seed, star anise, and cumin seeds, but not everyone likes the flavor they impart. So they are optional, and it’s better to add these spices if you like their taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk and 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoon sugar
· 1 teaspoon regular coffee grind or instant coffee powder
· 1/4th cup hot water
- 1-inch long cinnamon stick
· 5 peppercorns
· 2 cloves
· 2 green cardamom
· One teaspoon dry ginger powder or 1-inch long fresh ginger
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon powder to garnish
Step by step Instructions
Wondering how to make masala coffee? Here is a step-by-step instruction to make this super delicious drink.
Step 1
Heat a saucepan over medium flame. Add milk, water, and ground spices to it. Boil the milk for minutes and stir it occasionally. After five minutes, turn the heat to low.
Step 2
Whisk ground coffee or coffee powder with warm water and sugar in a mug. Beat it well till it turns frothy.
Step 3
Remove the saucepan from the stove and add the boiled milk to the beaten coffee. Mix everything well.
Step 4
Strain the coffee through a fine strainer or cheesecloth into another pan.
Step 5
Pour coffee into the mug, garnish with cocoa powder, and serve hot with snacks or cookies.
Variations:
- If you are vegan, you can use almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and even cashew milk.
- To add more flavor, you can add mac or nutmeg powder.
- If you are a fan of black coffee, you can try this hot drink without milk.
- To enjoy some caramel taste, adding vanilla essence can be a good choice.
How to make simple masala coffee?
Making masala coffee is a simple process:
- Boil water and milk in equal quantities
- Add masala (spices) of your choice (e.g., cinnamon, cardamom)
- Add sugar (per taste)
- Boil on medium heat for 4 minutes
- Strain the coffee in another saucepan and bring to boil
- Turn off the heat when coffee is thick and creamy
- Serve hot
FAQs
Which spices go well with simple masala coffee?
Spiced coffee is nothing new. Moroccans and Mexicans have been adding spices to their coffee for decades. Many different spices are added to coffee, depending upon the region.
The warmer spices that are usually used in baking also go well with coffee. Some other spices, such as star anise, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, also give a nice kick to the fresh brew.
What are the benefits of drinking masala coffee?
Masala coffee benefits can vary depending on which spices you add to your coffee. Cardamom is a mild stimulant, although it is not as strong as the caffeine in coffee. However, adding cardamom to your brew helps digestion and minimizes the adverse effects of acid in the coffee.
Another common masala coffee spice, cinnamon, has antibacterial properties and can improve gut health. Also, it keeps blood pressure under control and helps in reducing blood sugar levels.
What does adding salt to coffee do?
In many cultures worldwide, adding salt to coffee is a normal practice. Adding salt to coffee helps balance the flavors while naturally softening the bitterness of the coffee.
Salt enhances the natural sweetness of the coffee without adding sugar. If you are sensitive to coffee bitterness, try adding half a teaspoon of salt for every 2 teaspoons of coffee in two cups of water and see the difference yourself!
Is chai spice good in coffee?
Chai masala coffee or chai spiced coffee is the dream brew for people who want to taste the magic of masala tea in their coffee!
The chai spice goes well with many desserts and works exceptionally well in coffee. Add some chai spice to your coffee grounds, and you can enjoy the fabulous taste of masala chai in your black or milky coffee.
Can I reheat the old coffee?
Yes, you can reheat old coffee if it is stored properly in an airtight jar in the fridge. Although consuming reheated coffee doesn’t have any adverse effects on your health, but it can compromise the flavor of your coffee.
After reheating, the change in taste mainly depends upon the brewing procedure, ingredients used, and how long it was stored. Experts suggest treating coffee as one-time use beverage and enjoying it fresh.
What is the difference between chai latte and coffee?
Contrary to its name, a chai latte is not a coffee. Chai latte uses black tea with spices, and a lot of steamed milk is added to give it a creamy texture.
It gets the name “latte” because it uses the same preparation technique as a latte. The only difference is the use of black tea and spice blend in place of espresso.
What can I put in coffee instead of sugar to add sweetness?
If you don’t want to add sugar to the coffee but still like some sweetness to it, then add any one of these ingredients. These options are healthier than white sugar and add a bit of taste as well:
- Cinnamon
- Mint
- Salt
- Vanilla
- Maple syrup
- Cocoa powder
- Almond milk
Can I add honey to masala coffee?
Yes, but it will mess with your taste buds. Honey adds a distinct sweetness that doesn’t go well with coffee’s natural bitterness and tastes pretty unnatural. If you add sugar to your coffee, add bit by bit until you find your desired sweetness but don’t add too much.
Can we put Elaichi in coffee?
Just like cardamom tea, cardamom iced coffee is a popular brew in India. It gives a floral taste to the milky coffee, which many people find very refreshing.
Elaichi or green cardamom can be conveniently added to your masala coffee. Add a couple of cardamom pods to a spoonful of coffee beans when grinding, and enjoy aromatic cardamom coffee!
How to make Indian coffee in the microwave?
Indian spiced coffee or Indian masala coffee is a flavorful milky coffee. The recipe involves coffee powder, milk, sugar, water, and spices.
To make masala coffee in a microwave:
- Put water, milk, and ground spices in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Boil this mixture at high settings for 2 minutes.
- Take out the bowl from the oven, stir and boil the milk again on high settings for two minutes.
In a separate mug, add coffee powder and sugar with a little bit of milk and beat with a hand mixer until frothy. Add this beaten frothy coffee to the boiled mixture and strain. Pour in mugs and serve hot, and sprinkle cinnamon and cocoa powder on top.
Which one is healthier, masala tea or masala coffee?
It depends on which spices you add to the coffee and how regularly you’re consuming these hot beverages. However, masala tea is much healthier than masala coffee because of its lower caffeine content.
Spices have antioxidant properties, so they are generally good for your health. But don’t go overboard with drinking multi cups of masala tea or coffee every day, as it can be harmful to your health. Everything in moderation is better.
Bottom Line:
This famous South Indian delight is a perfect mid-day treat that gets you active. You can drink it with your favorite snack, cookies, or pastry. Carefully follow all the steps when you will give it a try and don’t forget to sprinkle cinnamon powder or cocoa powder on the top to add some twist. We hope you like this guide on how to make masala coffee. Have you ever drunk this spiced coffee? Share your experience with us in the comment box!
