Turkish Coffee
Finely powdered coffee simmered with water and sugar in a cezve until a thick foam rises, poured grounds and all and left to settle. Sipped slowly, never stirred.
Method
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Measure the cold water using the coffee cups you will serve in, so the quantity is exactly right — one cup of water per cup of coffee, plus a little for evaporation.
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Put the water, coffee, sugar and cardamom in a cezve. Stir now, while it is cold, until the coffee is fully wetted. This is the only time you stir.
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Set over the lowest possible heat. Do not stir again from this point.
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Heat slowly for 3 to 4 minutes. A dark ring of foam will form around the edge and gradually creep inward.
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When the foam has covered the surface and begins to rise up the pot — just before it boils — lift the cezve off the heat immediately.
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Spoon a little of the foam into each cup, then return the pot to the heat for 15 seconds until it rises again.
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Pour slowly and steadily into the cups, grounds and all, keeping the foam intact on top.
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Rest for 2 minutes to let the grounds settle at the bottom, then serve with a glass of cold water and something sweet alongside.
Chef’s Tips
- The grind is everything. It must be powder-fine — a domestic burr grinder usually cannot go fine enough, so buy it ready-ground.
- Never let it boil. Boiled Turkish coffee has no foam and tastes flat and bitter.
- Stop drinking before you reach the sludge at the bottom of the cup.
Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with Turkish delight or a piece of baklava
- A glass of cold water first, to clear the palate
- The traditional close to a Turkish meal
Storage & Reheating
Brew to order — Turkish coffee cannot be reheated or held. Keep the ground coffee airtight and use within a month.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.