Cookbook:Madras Filter Coffee

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South Indian filter coffee served in a traditional tumbler and dabarah / davarah

Madras filter coffee requires the use of specific fresh-roasted coffee beans and chicory roots which are not always available outside India. An alternative is to use a brand of Indian instant coffee that has chicory in it, and is available in some Indian stores and supermarkets. Nestle Bru instant coffee has 30% chicory added and in general has a near enough taste to authentic Madras filter coffee.

Indian coffee is generally not black coffee and is made using milk instead of water.

Procedure

To make one cup of coffee:

1. Heat a small quantity (¼) cup of water until it boils.
2. Put ½ to 2 teaspoon (depending on how strong you want to have the coffee) of instant coffee in it.
3. Stir the solution and ensure that there are no lumps of coffee.
4. Boil ¾ cup of milk and bring to boil.
5. Add the coffee mixture to the milk and add sugar as per your preference.
6. While the coffee is still boiling hot, pour it into a mug or, preferably, a stainless steel tumbler. While pouring the coffee, slowly raise the saucepan until the coffee falls into the mug/tumbler from a height of about 1 to 1½ ft. This will cause the coffee to froth (like espresso).
7. You can dip a teaspoon in the coffee and lightly spread a few drops of it over the froth in the mug.
8. Serve piping hot.

NOTE: filter coffee in India is actually made in a closed steel container called a coffee filter.