Authentic Sukku Coffee Recipe – Ginger, Pepper & Cardamom Blend

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Sukku Coffee Recipe – Ginger, Pepper & Cardamom Blend

Okay, let’s be real. Coffee is life, right? But sometimes, you crave something…more. Something warming, comforting, and packed with goodness. That’s where Sukku Coffee comes in! I first discovered this incredible drink during a particularly chilly monsoon season, and it’s been a staple in my home ever since. It’s not just a drink; it’s a hug in a mug. Let’s dive into how to make this authentic, flavorful brew.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sukku Coffee (sometimes called Sukku Malli) is a traditional South Indian drink made with ginger, pepper, cardamom, and coriander. It’s a fantastic alternative to regular coffee, especially when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a little pick-me-up. It’s naturally caffeine-free (unless you add coffee, of course!), and the spices offer a wonderful warmth that’s perfect for any time of year. Plus, it smells amazing while it’s brewing!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting elixir:

• 1 cup dried ginger (sukku) – about 150g
• ½ cup coriander seeds – about 60g
• 1 tablespoon black pepper – about 15g
• 6 cardamom pods – about 12g
• 1 cup water – 240ml
• 1 teaspoon sukku coffee powder (the spice blend we’ll make!)
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar candy (gur) – about 15g

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best flavor:

• Sukku/Dried Ginger: This is the star of the show! Make sure you’re using good quality, dried ginger. It should be firm and fragrant. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores.
• Palm Sugar Candy (Gur): Palm sugar adds a lovely, caramel-like sweetness that’s different from refined sugar. If you can’t find palm sugar candy, you can use jaggery as a substitute (see FAQs!).
• Regional Variations in Spice Blend: Every family has their own little twist on the spice blend. Some people add a pinch of cumin or fennel seeds. Feel free to experiment and find what you love! My grandmother always added a tiny piece of cinnamon.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. First, rinse and dry your dried ginger (sukku). Then, peel it and crush it using a mortar and pestle. Don’t worry about getting it super fine at this stage.
2. Next, dry roast the coriander seeds, black pepper, and cardamom pods in a pan over medium heat. Keep an eye on them – you want them fragrant, not burnt! This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the crushed ginger to the roasted spices. Sauté briefly for another minute or two, then let everything cool completely.
4. Now, grind the cooled spice mixture into a fine powder. A spice grinder or a powerful blender works best. This is your Sukku Coffee powder! Store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for months.
5. To make the drink, boil 1 cup of water with 1 teaspoon of your freshly made sukku powder and 1 tablespoon of palm sugar candy for about 2 minutes.
6. Finally, strain the mixture into a mug and serve hot. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Spice Roasting is Key: Don’t skip the dry roasting step! It really brings out the flavors of the spices.
• Freshly Ground is Best: While you can buy pre-made sukku powder, grinding your own makes a huge difference in taste.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of palm sugar candy to your liking.

Variations

Sukku Coffee is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Milk Version: My husband loves this! Mix 1 cup milk with ½ cup water and 1 teaspoon sukku powder. Boil, add sweetener to taste, strain, and serve. It’s extra creamy and comforting.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you like a little more heat, add a bit more black pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the pepper slightly.
• Ayurvedic Adaptations: For an extra Ayurvedic boost, add a pinch of turmeric or a small piece of licorice root to the boiling water.
• Winter Wellness Boost: During the colder months, I like to add a tiny sliver of fresh ginger to the boiling water for an extra warming kick.

Serving Suggestions

Sukku Coffee is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A simple biscuit or cookie
• A piece of fruit
• A cozy blanket and a good book!

Storage Instructions

• Sukku Powder: Store your homemade sukku powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
• Brewed Sukku Coffee: Best enjoyed immediately! However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently before serving.

FAQs

• What are the health benefits of Sukku Coffee? Sukku Coffee is believed to aid digestion, boost immunity, and relieve cold and cough symptoms. Ginger and pepper are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Can I use jaggery instead of palm sugar candy? Absolutely! Jaggery is a great substitute. Use the same amount (1 tablespoon).
• What is the best way to grind the spices for Sukku Coffee? A spice grinder or a high-powered blender works best. Grind until you achieve a fine, even powder.
• How does Sukku Coffee differ from regular coffee? Sukku Coffee is caffeine-free (unless you add coffee!), and it’s made with warming spices instead of coffee beans. It has a completely different flavor profile – earthy, spicy, and slightly sweet.
• Can this be made into an iced drink? Yes! Brew the sukku coffee as usual, let it cool completely, and then pour it over ice. Add a splash of milk or cream if desired.