Turkish coffee

August 14, 2010  •  Category: ,

 

I have a 17-year old daughter who was born and raised in the US;  she does not like to cook, and can hardly be found in the kitchen, except to heat up some frozen boxes of food.


All of this changed when she and Tony, a Lebanese young man she met in childhood, became an item: now she is offering to make me Turkish coffee, telling me (when I expressed astonishment) that Tonytaught her how to make it.

Such is the importance of Turkish coffee for Lebanese folks. Sure, we love espresso and instant coffee, but Turkish coffee is a tradition that is here to stay.

Making Turkish coffee is more involved than pressing a button and waiting 6 seconds to drink a dark brew. That is why, in my mind, it is ten times more enjoyable. It is stronger, true, but the aroma is more potent: the whiff of coffee  fills up your nostrils making you feel content: here, a few minutes  of guaranteed happiness and relaxation.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 heaping teaspoon of coffee per cup
  • sugar to taste or none
  • one cup of water per cup

METHOD:

There is a ritual associated with Turkish coffee: First of all, if you are offered a cup, the next question that needs to be addressed is: “How do you want it? sweet, semi-sweet or bitter?”

If you like your coffee sweet, then you can include a small teaspoon of sugar while heating the water; if there are several people getting coffee, then it is easier to prepare it bitter and serve sugar on the side.

  1. Measure one or more cups of water by filling up a Turkish coffee cup or a demi-tasse (espresso) cup with water almost to the rim. Pour into the Turkish coffee pot rakweh.
  2. If adding some sugar, now is the time to do so, stirring a bit to dissolve the sugar for a few seconds; now add a heaping teaspoon of coffee per cup to the pot and let it slowly dissolve and boil.
  3. As soon as the coffee boils and fills up the pot to the rim, remove from the heat, stir and place back on the stovetop. Heat some more and let it boil again. Remove from the heat and place it back on the stovetop. The third time that it boils, remove from the heat and set it on a flat surface for a few seconds to settle.
  4. Pour into the cups and serve.

NOTE:

Some people like to remove some of the froth at the first boil and place  a half teaspoon of it in each cup; I do it sometimes, but it is not necessary.

A rakweh or Turkish coffee pot and the cups for it (usually similar to espresso cups) can be found in all middle-eastern grocers, along with the small teaspoons used to stir the coffee. The coffee itself is found in bags, usually in two main flavors: plain or with cardamom. In Lebanon, there are just three or four  Turkish coffee purveyors, and  households usually remain  fiercely loyal to one over another; you can make your own, grinding the beans to a powdery texture on the Turkish coffee grind setting and using the coffee of your choice; arabica beans are best and my personal favorite.

Comments

50 Comments  •  Comments Feed

  1. Rosa says:

    One of my favorite kinds of coffee! I only drink Turkish coffee now (my brands come from Lebanon, Turkey and the Balkans).

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  2. GK says:

    What is so Turkish about the coffe that you describe?

  3. Alice Accad says:

    Aw, common’ Mommy… I like to cook– it’s just hard to live up to your cooking!

  4. Murasaki Shikibu says:

    Wow, thank you for sharing this. I think I might even try making it like this tomorrow.

  5. Sarah Galvin (All Our Fingers in the Pie) says:

    I love Turkish coffee but have never made it. Thank you for the instructions. I will have to definitely buy a coffee grinder so I can make it from fresh beans.

  6. Gloria says:

    I love turkish coffe! Is the best!! Today we eat falafel! I remember yours! xgloria

  7. Devaki says:

    THANK YOU! Dear Joumana – I will definitely make this exactly the way you’ve shown. Everything to make well, has a technique so I am grateful you’ve shown us how to make a good cuppa of turkish coffee

    BTW, that pot on the stove is divine!

    Ciao, Devaki @ weavethousandflavors

  8. Stella says:

    Hey Joumana, I love this kind of coffee too. It’s so wonderful and addictive! Sweet that your daughter makes this for you now. I’m sure she’ll be cooking and making all kinds of wonderful things very soon (smile)…

  9. Food Jihadist says:

    Ha! Well, I would love to have someone to make me Turkish coffee. Just reading about it brings the smell to my nostrils. As always, I admire and look-up to your writing, wit, and recipes.

  10. melrose says:

    GK 🙂 turkish is the way of preparing.
    I love it as well, but with a ceran plates it is just not it (I have no gas). How do you call those little cups (it is FILDZAN at Serbo-Croatian/Turzismus)?

  11. skip to malou says:

    would love to have turkish coffee, it intrigues me and with regards to your daughter, making coffee is start and could spark an interest in the kitchen…

    cheers,
    malou

  12. Angie's Recipes says:

    I didn’t like to cook at all when I was still staying with my mom. 🙂 I had all the excuses not to cook…
    Not really a coffee drinker…or put it this way…I am the one who is so afraid of being addictive to coffee.

  13. Erica says:

    Thanks for visiting my blog………..I love Turkish coffee, there has never been a day go by without us having a cup or two. I never had a cup till I married a Turk 25 years ago. Thanks for posting your recipe. I like your blog…..Have a great day!!!!!

  14. Grapefruit says:

    Hmm . . Turkish Coffee 🙂
    And the story about your daughter brought a smile to my face. I didn’t cook much (read: anything) until I got engaged & then went on to perplex and amaze my family with the amount of cooking and baking I did for my then future-husband. Lol . . just sit back and watch your daughter blossom into an awesome cook like you!

  15. Christine @ Fresh says:

    I adore the strength and robust style of turkish coffee, but never knew how to make it. I will have to find a way to try this technique.

  16. Katie @Cozydelicious says:

    I have a Turkish coffee pot that was a gift from some Bulgarian friends – when I visited Bulgaria I flipped for the coffee. But I have never actually known how to make coffee in it! So this is fantastic – I can’t wait to try it out. Any tips on what kind of coffee to buy?

  17. Natalie says:

    I am sorry but I really can not stand Turkish coffee. Give me Nescafe any day!

    Nor am I able to drink the apple tea that they serve in shops etc. The only Turkish drink that i do like is, Ayran. A mixture of yogurt, salt and water. best thing for a poorly tummy.

  18. Jamie says:

    Ah, there’s nothing like love to get the kids cooking. Wonderful! Waiting for my son to find the girl who will get him cooking too.

  19. Soma says:

    I never give this a miss when i visit a Turkish Restaurant. I have it medium as it is very strong. In one place the lady would make it right in front of us,e very elegantly while stirring with a dainty spoon. loved watching her.:-)

  20. A Canadian Foodie says:

    Vanja’s family makes it the same way. I really do not care for it, at all. There is something aromatic about the coffee that most find appealing, but to me, it is not. But, you are right. It is definitely a tradition that is here to stay.
    🙂
    Valerie

  21. Murasaki Shikibu says:

    I am quite addicted to making coffee this way now. Made this way, the coffee doesn’t upset my stomach either. Problem is…it’s like amphetamines and keeps me awake until the wee hours of the morning. lol

  22. Maninas says:

    In Croatia, we also make Turkish coffee at home. I love it.

  23. Zahraa says:

    Salaam,

    Love your blog!!!
    Thanks so much for these delicious recipes love to know the stories that accompany the recipe so original and authentic!!!
    I started drinking and making Turkish coffee when I visited the middle east and wherever you go they offer you it.

    Thanks again and wish great health and happiness for the new year 2011!

  24. GigiMac says:

    Just tried Turkish coffee for first time at a local restaurant. So good! I have found a new favorite! Thanks for sharing this.

  25. Hassan says:

    As-salamu alaykum.

    I have one pack of lebanese coffee, brand is “maatouk”. Is it ok? Can I use any well grinded coffee for making turkish/lebanese coffee?

  26. Green coffee diet says:

    Thank you, I’ve recently been looking for info approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I have came upon till now. However, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you positive concerning the source?

  27. Sektgl㲥r says:

    Gluten war hinterhältig – Bei Sprue war es sehr wichtig,
    jenes in bestimmten Hugo Sekt n versteckte Gluten zu beachten.
    An diesem ort bekommen sich jene Fülle prickelnder Hugo Sekt
    -Rezepte für jenes unvergessliches Menü zu dem Rendezvous – ob als aromatische Saucen-Zutat zu Fisch oder Fleisch oder als schäumender Hugo Cocktail
    Schuss in raffinierte Süppchen stellen Süßspeisen, Hugo Sekt verleiht allen fantasievollen Küchen-Kreationen das gewisse Was.
    Urzinger Textilmanagement setzt welche HACCP-Richtlinien zudem fuer welche Mietberufskleidung in dem
    Hugo Hugo Cocktail Sekt verkauf um.

  28. FARAH says:

    It is really good
    Mahmoud

    UJ

  29. Bilal says:

    Hello stoners, If you need help to buy some quality weed and coke… Hit up our reliable local vendor ( local420delivery@yahoo.com ) .

  30. Farah says:

    OMG I remember this fellow. He was our hook up. I strongly recommend Greenie ( local420delivery@yahoo.com ) if you need quality weed and coke.

  31. Nami says:

    Which is the best coffee grinder machine that can grind coffee beans to make Lebanese coffee powder?

    • Joumana Accad says:

      @Nami You would have to find one that has a “turkish coffee” tab. I only know the Najjar brand from Lebanon (they only make machines that give you read-made coffee using capsules) but there may be others in Turkey, and Romania and Bulgaria and other countries where Turkish-style coffee is common

  32. adersonmi says:

    isabella (rollbudup420@gmail.com ) was an absolute blessing to my crew during our stay in The city We are seasonal veterans and we’ve never experienced service like ISABELLA! SHe was very informing, process was quick and timely, and she had MUCH patience with the many different groups buying through our crew. The bud was quality and she even threw us some discounts and papers on our larger orders! Needless to say, we went back for round 2 and will DEFINITELY be using Isabel ( rollbudup420[add] gmail com ) every year!! (:

  33. malta hulks says:

    WOOOHHH!!! Isabella is the best bud and party pills dealer here I have ever seen so far. She just asks me some few questions and some few steps to follow then my weed was delivered to me within 30 minutes. She made my visiting here a perfect one. Email (rollbudup420@gmail.com ) and Hit him up for a smoke and get shit delivered to you accordingly.

  34. Mohamed says:

    Isabbella!!!!!!! You are Sweet Hlo!Getting top quality weed, hash, pills and coke in Turkey is easy if you know the right people to deal with. We highly recommend our reliable local vendor (rollbudup420@gmail.com) she has extensive knowledge of TTurkeyand can hook you up with the best quality of bud without any hassle. Just hit her up and place your order. She is very professional and keep things discreet. You won’t regret dealing with her. Email “rollbudup420@gmail.com”

  35. miterskilo2 says:

    Hey stoners! This is to confirming that Isabella “rollbudup420@gmail.com ” services is rock solid!

    I strongly recommend her services to all stoners looking for quality weed..Coke

    and other stuffs in Turkey. If you’re going to Turkey and need a

    supply, just flick off an email to the only reliable local vendor in

    Turkey, follow the instructions and stay clear from rip off in the

    street. Telegram her also on / rollitupkush

  36. delogeremine says:

    Locals and Visitors, are you in search of quality weed, coke, hash and others here in Turkey ? Then I will say hassle no more. Do not buy in the streets because the laws here are still kind of barbaric.

    So personally I recommend Isabella (rollbudup420@gmail.com) who sells top shelf weed, hash, coke, pills and others discreetly and prices are moderate too. SHe is a reliable and legit local plug . SHe is

    You can also find her on telegram as: rollitupkush

  37. seyibundees says:

    ISABELLA FTW!! Vacationing in TURKEY(1st time) from California & not being able to bring organic anxiety medication posed a huge problem on day one for a particular person in our group – and still a smaller problem for the rest of us. I’ve never gotten weed from an online forum… seems super sketchy – but I thought I’d try anyways. I e-mailed ISABELLA ( rollbudup420@gmail com ) and within less than ONE HOUR all of our problems were solved. Of course prices were affordable – BUT THE BUD WAS JUST AS GOOD!!! I’m telling you —- strait chronic. IN TURKER N! ISABLLA e-mailed me back ASAP, had a great way of getting me what I needed and even threw in some roll papers and a blunt for good business! So what did I do?? – called her again. Went through the sack another 1 oz time (haha typical) and needed more, so isabella pulled through yet again. AND WITH MORE ROLL PAPERS!!! isabella feels like my neighborhood “guy” – trustworthy and professionalbut is a she . I think some posts here are from unreliable vendors trying to rip off people, cuz you can tell this girl isn’t trying to rip anyone off – she’s actually running a legit business. E-MAIL isabella ( rollbudup420@gmail.com ) IF YOU’RE DEBATING IT, cuz I DID & I WAS IRIE IN ONE HOUR!! XD

  38. ulessmanoman says:

    ****ATTENTION MATES**** (rollbudup420@gmail.com) at least 3-4 times and every time it has been top notch. She is the best local plug you can find around. She is very pleasant, friendly and fast. She sells top shelf weed, hash, coke, pills and other stuffs at moderate prices. I will always recommend this Lady when people ask me my ” go-to”. Just send her an email and I bet you will come back for more once you finish what you bought because the quality is incredible. So on this note, dont even bother trying to get elsewhere.

    You can also find her Wickr Id as: rollitupkush

  39. kilomaja says:

    ATTENTION IF YOU WANT TOP BRAND CIGARS AND GOOD BACKWOOD VANILLA CIGARS ..Then check on this guys https://backwoodcigarsofficial.com their services are wonderful

  40. AAU says:

    AAU Started providing academic services in 1990, Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) was the first private university and pioneer of private education in Jordan. AAU has been accorded institutional and programmatic accreditation. It is a member of the International Association of Universities, Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, Union of Arab Universities and Association of Arab Private Institutions of Higher Education. AAU always seeks distinction by upgrading learning outcomes through the adoption of methods and strategies that depend on a system of quality control and effective follow-up at all its faculties, departments, centers and administrative units. The overall aim is to become a flagship university not only at the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan level but also at the Arab World level. In this vein, AAU has adopted Information Technology as an essential ingredient in its activities, especially e-learning, and it has incorporated it in its educational processes in all fields of specialization to become the first such university to do so.
    https://www.ammanu.edu.jo/

  41. piston Greylon says:

    My Delivery was very safe.I placed my order before leaving my country and upon arrival at my Hotel, My package was delivered Discretely & 100% Safe. I’m soo impressed with the quality i got from this girl ! I highly recommend you to u reach out to w*i*c*k*r * or T*e*l*e*g**rrrrram : “rollitupkush”

  42. geoclock says:

    its only get better when i met with my cousin & he introduce Isabella to me who supplied the best green & hash to me //you can message her on telegram : rollitupkush

  43. delphine Roose says:

    SHe is the best seller here for top shelf grass.SHe just ask me some few
    questions and some few steps to follow then top shelf was delivered to
    me within 30 minutes. SHe made my visiting here a perfect one.hit her up
    via the (@rollitupkush) on telegram or mail rollbudup420@gmailcom above
    if you need some to be delivered to you

  44. Josophina says:

    @localbudlord on telegram is well known for her good work helping stoners Over here . Very reliable hook up in here ..he deals with good green bud, coke and party stuffs….He is discreet.he has been my plug since my cousin introduced her to my friends …Fast and very discreet in her dealings ……. reach him and get your self fixed ….

  45. dominic says:

    Yes @rollitupkush on telegram really helped us out with proper stuffs ..you can try them

  46. bestgirlrasta says:

    Special Message to all Tourist like me and locals over here ..I highly recommend a local plug for best party things
    such as proper tasty buds and white coke ….she is really good i most say …She’s on Telegram (@rollitupkush) .or ( rollbudup420 (a)gmailcom )
    Fast and very reliable . enjoy

Add a Comment