Step into the heart of Mexico with a warm cup of Café de la Olla, a traditional coffee brew that will awaken your senses and transport you to a bustling mercado! This delightful concoction combines rich ground coffee, aromatic cinnamon, and the sweetness of piloncillo, creating an irresistible drink that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a comforting beverage, this recipe is your ticket to a flavorful experience. Read on to discover the secrets behind crafting this beloved Mexican classic that will have you coming back for more!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup ground coffee
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 cup piloncillo or brown sugar
- Optional: milk or cream for serving
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine water, whole cinnamon stick, and piloncillo (or brown sugar). Place over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and stir until the piloncillo completely dissolves, creating a sweet syrup-like liquid. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Once the sugar is fully dissolved, add ground coffee directly to the liquid. Do not stir immediately; allow the coffee to naturally steep in the hot liquid.
- Let the coffee simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should develop a rich, deep aroma and the coffee grounds will start to settle at the bottom of the pan.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it rest for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow further infusion and grounds to settle completely.
- Carefully strain the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer or traditional coffee cloth to remove grounds and cinnamon stick.
- Pour the hot coffee into traditional clay mugs or standard coffee cups. If desired, serve with a small amount of warm milk or cream on the side.
- Enjoy the traditional Mexican Café de la Olla immediately while hot, appreciating its unique sweet and spiced flavor profile.
Tips
- Quality Coffee: For the best flavor, use high-quality, freshly ground coffee. A medium to dark roast works beautifully with the spices.
- Piloncillo Substitute: If you can’t find piloncillo, brown sugar is a great alternative, but using piloncillo will give you an authentic taste.
- Infusion Time: Allow the coffee to steep for the full 5-7 minutes to ensure a robust flavor. The longer it steeps, the richer the taste!
- Straining: Use a fine-mesh strainer or a traditional coffee cloth to ensure a smooth cup without any gritty texture.
- Serving Style: For an authentic experience, serve the coffee in traditional clay mugs, which enhance the flavor and keep the coffee warm.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar to suit your taste. You can also add a splash of vanilla for an extra layer of flavor!
- Pairing: Enjoy your Café de la Olla with sweet breads or pastries for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 40kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
