Wouldn’t it be nice to take a trip around the world trying coffee in different cultures? Not everybody gets that chance, but who says you can’t bring the culture home? Below you’ll learn how to make Armenian coffee.
If you’ve ever had the chance to travel to Armenia and taste Armenian coffee, you’re one of the lucky ones. Thankfully, you don’t have to travel to Armenia to try this uniquely brewed coffee.
Once you know how to make a proper cup of Armenian coffee, you can experience the coffee culture at home and then share it with those around you.
What is Armenian Coffee?
Armenian coffee is like no other coffee you will try. It is a highly concentrated coffee that is not for light coffee drinkers. It has a sharp taste, thick consistency, and powerful aroma.
The coffee grounds have a powder-like consistency. This is because of the special brewing method you use to make Armenian coffee, which will be further explained in the recipe instructions.
The most unique part of Armenian coffee is that you drink the coffee with the grounds in the cup. Because of this, there is no other way to drink it than by sipping slowly, which forces you to take time to enjoy it.
Sugar and cardamom are often combined with coffee to enhance the coffee’s flavor, but what you use will depend on your preference.
How to Make Armenian Coffee: Step by Step
Here’s the step-by-step guide you’ve been waiting for to create a delicious cup of Armenian coffee that will transport you to the bustling streets of Yerevan.
Ingredients needed
- Armenian coffee
- Cold Water
- Sugar (If desired)
- Cardamom (If desired)
Equipment needed
- Armenian coffee pot (Jazva)
- Teaspoon for measuring
- Demitasse cups
1. Add coffee grounds
You will use one heaping teaspoon of coffee grounds for every four ounces of water, which will equal two demitasse cups.
2. Add Sugar and Cardamom
If you are using sugar, now is the time to add it. Add ½ teaspoon of sugar to the pot.
You may need to adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. If it is too sweet, try ¼ teaspoon. If it is not sweet enough, add one teaspoon.
If you desire, you will add a cardamom pod to each Demitasse cup. You will pour the coffee over the pod once it is brewed, and the natural flavors of the cardamom will come through with each sip.
3. Add water to Jazva
For every 2 cups demitasse, add four ounces of water to the Jazva. The number of cups you can make at once will depend on the size of the Jazva.
Once the water and ingredients are added to the pot, stir thoroughly.
4. Heat the pot
Turn your heating source on medium-high heat. Once the pot is heated, watch the coffee closely. You cannot step away from the coffee because it will heat quickly, and if it boils your coffee will be ruined.
As soon as the coffee starts to rise, forming a foam, remove it from the heat to prevent it from boiling.
Place it back on the heat until it starts to rise again, and remove it. Repeat that step one last time and remove the pot from the heating source.
5. Enjoy!
Once your Armenian coffee is ready, pour it into your demitasse cups, serve, and enjoy the unique experience.
Note: Do not consume the coffee sludge at the bottom of the cup. The grounds will sink to the bottom of the cup and are not for consumption.
A few helpful tips:
- If you grind your coffee beans, ensure they are ground so fine that they come out as a powder.
- Armenian coffee with no sugar is very bold, so if you don’t want to add sugar, you can mix medium and dark roast to even the taste a little better.
- Don’t try to drink it if it boils for even a moment. You will lose the crema, and it will not taste good.
Fascinating Facts About Armenian Coffee
- Armenian coffee is a social drink – You won’t go into an Armenian home without being greeted with coffee and being offered coffee throughout your visit.
- Armenian coffee reading – Although not widely practiced, some Armenians perform a coffee reading after consuming the coffee, and only the coffee grounds are left.
It’s done by tipping the cup and spreading the coffee grounds around the edges. According to some, the shape of the coffee grounds represents certain life events or important dates.
- Armenians established the first European coffee shops in 1672.
- Armenian coffee beans are not grown in Armenia – Armenia does not have the right environment. Armenian coffee was named after an Armenian trader who established the first coffee shops in Europe.
Time to Experience Armenian Coffee
Now that you know how to make Armenian coffee at home, it’s time to start getting your ingredients and equipment together.
Use this opportunity to share it with your community and become part of the culture. Armenians drink coffee throughout the day as part of their daily routine and love sharing it with others. It’s more fun with company.
Armenian coffee isn’t like any other type of coffee. Its thick and creamy consistency and bold flavor infused with a dash of sugar will make you feel like you’re sitting in an Armenian cafe.
