Bru Coffee Recipe – Cardamom Infused Indian Coffee & Bhajiya Pairing

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Bru Coffee Recipe – Cardamom Infused Indian Coffee & Bhajiya Pairing

Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything better than a steaming mug of chai or coffee and a plate of crispy, spicy bhajiyas? For me, it’s a little slice of heaven, especially on a rainy afternoon. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for a wonderfully aromatic Bru coffee, infused with cardamom, that’s perfect with those golden-fried treats. It’s quick, easy, and tastes like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any coffee recipe. It’s a little bit of India in a mug! The cardamom adds such a beautiful, fragrant warmth that elevates the classic instant coffee experience. Plus, it comes together in under 10 minutes – perfect for those mornings when you need a caffeine boost fast. And honestly, the pairing with bhajiyas? Unbeatable. Trust me on this one.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cardamom-infused Bru coffee:

• 1 mug water (approximately 240ml)
• A pinch of cardamom
• 1 heaped teaspoon Bru coffee powder (about 6-7 grams)
• 1 tbsp milk powder (about 7-8 grams)
• 1 tbsp coffee creamer (about 7-8 grams)
• 1 tbsp sugar (about 12-15 grams)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Bru Coffee Powder: This is a classic Indian instant coffee, known for its strong, robust flavor. It’s what I grew up with, and it holds a special place in my heart. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.
• Cardamom: I prefer using green cardamom pods for this recipe. They have a lovely floral aroma. Lightly crushing the pods before adding them releases more flavor. Black cardamom is also amazing, but has a smokier flavour – use it if you like a bolder taste!
• Milk Powder vs. Fresh Milk: Milk powder gives this coffee a lovely creamy texture. If you prefer, you can use about ¼ cup (60ml) of warm milk instead, but you might need to adjust the sugar to taste.
• Coffee Creamer Alternatives: Don’t have coffee creamer? No problem! A splash of half-and-half, or even a little bit of coconut milk (for a vegan option!) works beautifully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. First, pour the water into a teapot and add that pinch of cardamom. It smells amazing already, right?
2. Heat the water until it’s about halfway there – you don’t want a rolling boil just yet. Then, add the Bru coffee powder and bring it to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes. This helps to really bring out the coffee’s flavor.
4. While the coffee is simmering, in your favorite mug, combine the milk powder, coffee creamer, and sugar.
5. Pour about half of the hot coffee mixture into the mug and stir, stir, stir until everything is smooth and dissolved.
6. Now, pour the entire coffee mixture back into the saucepan and give it a good mix. This ensures everything is perfectly combined.
7. Finally, pour the entire mixture back into your mug.

And that’s it! Your cardamom-infused Bru coffee is ready to enjoy.

Expert Tips

Want to take your coffee game to the next level? Here are a few tips:

• Achieving the Perfect Froth: For a little extra indulgence, use a frother or whisk vigorously before pouring into the mug.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Everyone has a different sweet tooth! Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
• Importance of Simmering: Don’t skip the simmering step! It really makes a difference in the flavor. It allows the coffee to bloom and release its full potential.

Variations

Let’s get creative! Here are a few ways to customize this recipe:

• Vegan Bru Coffee: Swap the milk powder and coffee creamer for plant-based alternatives like oat milk powder and coconut creamer.
• Spice Level: Add a tiny piece of grated ginger or a pinch of nutmeg to the coffee while it’s simmering for an extra warming kick. My grandmother always added a tiny clove!
• Festival Adaptations: During Diwali or other special occasions, I like to add a sprinkle of saffron strands to the coffee for a touch of luxury.
• Stronger/Weaker Brew: Adjust the amount of Bru coffee powder to suit your preference. More for a stronger brew, less for a milder one.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, let’s talk about the star of the show – the bhajiyas!

• Bhajiya Types: Onion bhajiyas are a classic, but potato, cauliflower, or even spinach bhajiyas are equally delicious.
• Other Savory Snacks: If bhajiyas aren’t your thing, this coffee also pairs wonderfully with samosas, pakoras, or even a simple plate of biscuits.

Storage Instructions

While this coffee is best enjoyed fresh, you can refrigerate any leftovers for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to reheat it gently. As for the ingredients, store the Bru coffee powder, milk powder, and coffee creamer in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Cardamom pods should also be stored in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• What is Bru coffee and why is it popular in India? Bru coffee is a popular Indian instant coffee brand known for its strong flavor and aroma. It’s a staple in many Indian households and is often enjoyed with milk and sugar.
• Can I use a different brand of instant coffee? Absolutely! While I love Bru, you can use any instant coffee you prefer. Just be aware that the flavor might be slightly different.
• What is the best type of cardamom to use for coffee? Green cardamom pods are the most common and offer a lovely floral aroma.
• How can I make this coffee without milk powder? You can substitute with ¼ cup (60ml) of warm milk.
• Can I make a larger batch of this coffee at once? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.