Cookbook:Madras Filter Coffee

| Beverages

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.

Ingredients

 * ¼ cup water
 * ½–2 tsp instant coffee with chicory root
 * ¾ cup milk
 * Sugar (optional)

Procedure

 * 1) Bring the water to a boil, and stir in the coffee. Ensure there are no lumps.
 * 2) Bring the milk to a boil.
 * 3) Add the coffee mixture to the milk, and sweeten with sugar to taste.
 * 4) 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 so the coffee falls into the mug from a height of about 1–1½ ft. This will cause the coffee to froth like espresso.
 * 5) If desired, you can dip a teaspoon in the coffee and lightly spread a few drops of it over the froth in the mug.
 * 6) Serve piping hot.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * Filter coffee in India is actually made in a closed steel container called a coffee filter.