Author: The Art of Saudi Cooking by Zobaida Mousily, Safiy
Released: 4/27/2004 12:00:00 AM
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3 eight ounce glasses of water
3/4 cup* lightly roasted and ground coffee
1/4 cup* coarsely ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon saffron (optional)
* Arab coffee cup - Approximately 2 ounces
- Boil the water in a pan
- Add the coffee and let boil over low heat for half an hour
- Remove from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the coffee to settle
- Put the cardamom in a coffee pot, strain the coffee into it and add the saffron
- Place the pot over the heat, bring back to boil once
- Serve and Enjoy
The word "coffee" comes from the Arabic word "qahwa".
For centuries, Arabs have been attracted to the delicious taste of coffee, which has come to symbolize both hospitality and honor. The traditional preparation and serving of Arabic coffee is intricate. Once the beans are freshly roasted and ground, great care is taken when boiling the coffee so that it is just right. Herbs such as cardamom, ginger or saffron are added: however, Arabic coffee is never drunk with milk or sugar.
Rules of etiquette when serving the coffee require the host or hostess to personally hand each small cup (finjan) to the guest with the right hand, after pouring the coffee from the pot (dallah) with the left. In Saudi Arabia, the ritual of serving coffee is a sign that a guest is welcome and honored by his host.
Contributed by Saudi Aramco Public Relations Department
Preparation time: Approximately 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6 - 8
Arabic Coffee recipe distributed to Saudi Aramco Retirees as part of a retirement gift from Saudi Aramco.