How To Make Perfect Armenian Coffee? Step By Step Guide

Armenian coffee is a staple of Armenian culture and hospitality. It’s a rich, strong coffee that’s typically served in small cups called “finjans” and is often enjoyed with traditional sweets like baklava or ghazl. If you’ve ever been to an Armenian home or restaurant, chances are you’ve had the pleasure of sipping on this delicious brew.

But have you ever wondered how it’s made? In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of how to make Armenian coffee at home, so you can impress your friends and family with your newfound barista skills.

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What Is Armenian Coffee?

Armenian coffee is a time-honored tradition that has been passed down through generations of Armenians. This distinctive method of preparing and serving coffee has become an integral part of Armenian culture and identity.

At its core, Armenian coffee is made by brewing finely ground coffee beans in a small pot called a jezve or cezve.

The process begins by adding water to the pot, followed by bringing the mixture to a boil. The coffee is then allowed to simmer until it reaches the desired strength, at which point it is carefully poured into small cups and served piping hot.

Armenian coffee is renowned for its rich, full-bodied flavor and robust aroma, making it a beloved beverage both within Armenia and across the globe, particularly in communities with a sizable Armenian diaspora.

The Armenian word for coffee, “soorj,” has become synonymous with hospitality and warmth. While the basic recipe for Armenian coffee consists of finely ground coffee, water, sugar (optional), and green cardamom (optional), the real magic lies in the art of brewing it to perfection.

Skilled baristas use a specialized pot called a jezve or ibrik to create a rich, concentrated coffee that is traditionally served in tiny espresso cups. With each sip, the complex flavors and aromas transport drinkers to the mountains and valleys of Armenia, immersing them in a cultural experience that transcends mere taste buds.

Armenian Coffee Ingredients

Finely ground coffee (1 tablespoon per small demitasse cup)
Sugar (optional, ¼-1/2 teaspoon per cup)
Green cardamom
Water (measured using the demitasse cup)

How To Make Armenian Coffee Recipe?

To make Armenian coffee, start by setting the empty cups on a serving tray near the stove. Add one cardamom pod or seed to each cup. Then, pour one cup of cold water into the pot for every cup of coffee you want to make. For example, if you want to make three cups of coffee, pour three cups of cold water into the pot.

Next, add one generous teaspoon of coffee for every cup of water. Stir the mixture well to ensure the coffee is evenly distributed. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add an extra spoon of coffee. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much coffee can make the drink bitter.

After adding the coffee, add one level teaspoon of sugar for every cup of water. Stir the mixture again to combine the sugar and coffee. Now, turn the heat up to high and keep an eye on the pot. It’s important to monitor the temperature closely, as the coffee can easily boil over.

As the coffee heats up, it will begin to foam. When the foam starts to rise to the top of the pot, remove it from the heat. This is a critical step, as letting the coffee boil can ruin the flavor. Instead, stir the coffee and place it back on the heat. Repeat this process at least once more, removing the pot from the heat whenever the foam rises to the top.

Once the foam rises a third time, the coffee is ready. Pour a little coffee into each cup, starting from the center and working your way outwards. This helps to distribute the foam evenly among the cups. Continue pouring until all the cups are full, leaving enough room at the top to add some of the remaining foam.

If the foam has dissipated before you’re done pouring, don’t worry. Simply return the coffee to the heat for a brief moment, just until it foams again. This will help maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor of the coffee.

And that’s it! Your Armenian coffee is now ready to be enjoyed. You can serve it black or add milk or sugar to taste. Enjoy the rich, bold flavor and the traditional atmosphere that comes with sharing a cup of Armenian coffee with friends and family.

More Coffee Recipes To Try at Your Home

What Is The Traditional Way of Serving Armenian Coffee?

Armenian coffee, also known as “Turkish coffee,” is a staple beverage in many cultures around the world, especially in regions with a large Armenian population. It is traditionally brewed in a small pot called a “jezve” or “ibrik,” which gives the coffee its unique flavor and aroma.

The coffee is served strong and black, allowing the rich, bold flavors to shine through. Some people like to add a touch of sweetness or spice to their coffee, but purists argue that this detracts from the true taste of the beverage.

When serving Armenian coffee, it’s essential to pay attention to the presentation. First, a layer of frothy foam is spooned into the cup, creating a creamy texture and visual appeal.

Then, the coffee is carefully poured, ensuring that the liquid is evenly distributed and the foam remains intact. Finally, the coffee is served immediately, while it’s still hot and aromatic.

Is Armenian Coffee And Turkish Coffee Same?

Armenian coffee and Turkish coffee share many similarities, as both are prepared by simmering finely ground coffee in a special pot called a cezve, alongside a generous amount of water and sugar. They are both served in a small cup called fincan, meant to be savored slowly.

Armenian coffee has an additional ingredient, green cardamom, which is not present in Turkish coffee.

while Armenian and Turkish coffee share many similarities, the presence of cardamom in Armenian coffee and the absence of cardamom in Turkish coffee result in distinct flavors and cultural associations

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