Arabic Coffee

Ah coffee! The aroma of the coffee being roasted in the open markets and sold as it's going out of style. Hand roasting not only took place in the coffee houses, but also at homes in the long handled cast iron roasting pan with an attached flattened spoon long enough to reach the roasting beans to stir and constantly release this addictive aroma. You have not had coffee unless you have had it roasted for you by hand, ground then boiled to perfection for that ultimate cup of coffee. From the brewing pot, the urn used for serving it to the crafty and various looking cups used. So whether you are at the market, home or attending whatever occasion, engagement, wedding, graduation, the birth of a child, a holiday, or fast visiting for a "Sahra," a gathering to socialize. All of these occasions, visits, or events are accented with indulgence in coffee drinking, or sweet minted tea, fresh fruit and snacks. The ultimate hospitality of a Middle Eastern home is having coffee "on" and serving it all the time. Have you heard of Coffee Arabica, or the Origin of the Bean? Of course it is the Middle East where coffee was originally discovered. In these parts of the world, coffee and it's multiple ways of roasting, brewing, and serving it, coffee is drank in the liters from early in the morning to the late hours of the night, which goes without saying as farmers are early risers and are customarily to bed by midnight. Remember that early afternoon siesta helps a lot.

Now, coffee is the preferred drink of all generations across the new homeland. My mom and dad always had coffee brewing and their constant and warm hospitality, which they showed everyone, was and continues to be, the most gratifying gesture to me. Much of this was the hallmark and gracious gestures of my grandparents before them. To this day, I carry on the same kind of hospitality both at home and at my restaurant. Often my friends, and even my own kids (today's generation), ask if that was necessary or needed, not because the kids, unlike my parents and siblings, are unaware of this. It's because a lesser importance or value is placed on such things. One could argue that it's generational or the difference in the value systems or customary traditions of the time we live in. It is heartwarming, however, as our own kids are more exposed to this, in the long run they will become more appreciative of this unconditional return to this wonderful, interesting and most gratifying gesture of peace, love and friendship.

Arabic coffee is ground very fine compared to its counterpart American version. It is very much similar to the espresso grounds. Unlike espresso, it is traditionally sweetened with sugar or honey and spiced with whole or ground cardamom.

Ingredients

- 1 tsp coffee
- 1 cup water

Method

- Bring water to boil (with sugar if desired)
- Add coffee, notice coffee with begin to foam and creamy bubbles start to form
- Turn heat down and perk for a short minute
- Pour coffee into cups and spoon some of the foam topping each cup

Arabic coffee can be ground with cardamom or without. In fact, specialty stores stock both types of ground Arabic coffee vacuum sealed for freshness and taste.

Shaw H. Rabadi, restaurant owner/chef/author, invites you to Eat, Drink, and Be Mediterranean with him for a happier, healthier life!

Visit http://www.TheMediterraneanDigest.com for information on his newly released story-cookbook, "Savor the Spices of Life" and more info on eating, cooking, and living a heart healthier life.

Eat Better, Fresher, Smarter!

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