Cardamom Coffee Recipe – Authentic Indian Spiced Coffee Blend

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Cardamom Coffee Recipe – Authentic Indian Spiced Coffee Blend

Hey everyone! If you’ve ever been to India, or even just spent time with Indian friends, you’ve probably experienced the magic of masala chai. But did you know there’s another incredibly fragrant and flavorful coffee tradition here? I’m so excited to share my family’s recipe for Cardamom Coffee – it’s a simple blend that transforms your regular cup of joe into something truly special. I first made this for my sister when she was feeling under the weather, and it instantly became her go-to comfort drink!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cardamom coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. The warm, aromatic spice beautifully complements the rich coffee flavor, creating a cozy and invigorating brew. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress guests with a unique and authentic Indian flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful cardamom coffee:

• 1 cup coffee beans
• 10 – 12 green cardamom pods
• 8 – 10 oz water (approximately 240-300ml)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)
• Milk, to taste (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right makes all the difference.

Coffee Beans: Choosing the Right Roast

I prefer a medium to dark roast for this recipe. It stands up nicely to the cardamom’s flavor. Arabica beans are a great choice for their smooth, aromatic profile. Feel free to experiment though – a robusta bean will give you a stronger kick!

Green Cardamom Pods: Freshness and Quality

Freshness is key with cardamom. You want pods that are plump and bright green. If they’re pale or brittle, they’ve lost some of their flavor. Gently press a pod – you should feel the seeds rattle inside.

Regional Variations in Cardamom Coffee

Cardamom coffee isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of drink! In South India, you’ll often find it brewed with chicory for a deeper, more robust flavor. Some families also add a pinch of cloves or cinnamon for extra warmth. Feel free to explore and make it your own!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. First, we need to unlock that amazing cardamom aroma. Grind the coffee beans and cardamom pods together in a spice grinder. Don’t grind it too finely – a medium-coarse grind works best.
2. Store this beautiful coffee-cardamom mixture in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors locked in and fresh.
3. Now, brew your coffee! Use your preferred method – French press, pour-over, a classic coffeemaker, or even the traditional Indian method of boiling in a saucepan and straining.
4. Add sugar to taste. I usually start with a teaspoon and adjust from there.
5. Finally, add milk if desired. Stir well to combine, and serve hot.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this coffee even better:

Grinding Coffee & Cardamom for Maximum Flavor

Grinding the cardamom pods with the coffee beans is a game-changer. It releases the cardamom’s essential oils and infuses them directly into the coffee grounds.

Brewing Methods for the Perfect Cup

I personally love using a French press for this coffee. It allows the flavors to fully develop. But honestly, any method works!

Adjusting Sweetness & Milk

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the amount of sugar and milk. Some days I like it strong and black, other days I prefer a creamy, sweet treat.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Cardamom Coffee

Simply substitute your favorite plant-based milk – almond, soy, or oat milk all work beautifully.

Spice Level Adjustments: More or Less Cardamom

If you really love cardamom, feel free to add a few extra pods. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, reduce the amount to 6-8 pods.

Festival Adaptations: Special Occasion Coffee

During festivals, my grandmother would add a tiny pinch of saffron to the coffee for a luxurious touch. It’s absolutely divine!

Iced Cardamom Coffee

Brew the coffee a little stronger than usual, let it cool, and pour it over ice. Add milk and sugar to taste. Perfect for a hot summer day!

Serving Suggestions

Cardamom coffee is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with Indian sweets like gulab jamun or jalebi. It’s also a lovely accompaniment to a simple breakfast of toast and fruit.

Storage Instructions

Storing Ground Coffee & Cardamom Mixture

Store the ground coffee and cardamom mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What is the best type of coffee bean to use for Cardamom Coffee?

Medium to dark roast Arabica beans are a great starting point, but feel free to experiment!

Can I use cardamom powder instead of pods?

While you can use cardamom powder, the flavor won’t be as vibrant. Freshly ground pods are always best. If you do use powder, start with about ½ teaspoon.

How can I adjust the strength of the cardamom flavor?

Adjust the number of cardamom pods you use. More pods = stronger flavor!

What is the traditional way to serve Cardamom Coffee in India?

Traditionally, it’s served hot in small stainless steel cups, often with a sprinkle of sugar on top.

How long does the ground coffee and cardamom mixture stay fresh?

Up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Enjoy your delicious, aromatic cardamom coffee! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of Indian warmth and flavor into your home. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!