How to perfectly make Saudi coffee for Saudi National Day

23/09/2024

Saudi coffee, known as “Gahwa”, is a central part of Saudi Arabian culture, symbolizing hospitality and tradition. On Saudi National Day, preparing a perfect cup of Gahwa is a great way to honor the nation’s rich heritage while sharing the warmth and flavors of this beloved beverage with family and friends.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare the perfect Saudi coffee for this special day:

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of lightly roasted Arabic coffee beans
3 cups of water
1 tablespoon of ground cardamom
3-4 cloves (optional)
1-2 threads of saffron (optional)
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
Dried rose petals (optional, for garnish)
Dates (to serve on the side)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Roasting the Coffee Beans (if using whole beans):

If you’re using whole Arabic coffee beans, start by lightly roasting them on low heat. The beans should remain light in color, unlike the dark roast typical of other types of coffee.
Once roasted, grind the beans to a medium-fine texture.

2. Boiling the Water:

In a coffee pot or kettle, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Traditional Gahwa is brewed in a “Dallah” (a traditional Arabic coffee pot), but any pot will work.

3. Adding the Coffee:

Once the water is boiling, add the ground coffee to the pot. Let it simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, allowing the coffee to steep and release its rich flavors.
Stir occasionally to prevent the coffee grounds from clumping.

4. Flavoring the Coffee:

After simmering, add cardamom to the coffee mixture. This is the defining spice in Saudi coffee, giving it its unique flavor.
Optionally, add cloves, saffron, and ground cinnamon for additional layers of flavor. These spices add warmth and depth to the coffee, making it more aromatic and festive.

5. Straining the Coffee:

After about 5 more minutes of simmering with the spices, remove the pot from heat.
Strain the coffee using a fine mesh sieve to remove the coffee grounds and spices. This will leave you with a smooth, golden-hued coffee.

6. Serving the Coffee:

Traditionally, Saudi coffee is served in small, handle-less cups called Finjaan. Pour the coffee into these cups, filling only about a quarter to a third of the cup.
To garnish, you can add a few dried rose petals for an elegant touch, enhancing both the visual appeal and the aroma.

7. Pairing with Dates:

Saudi coffee is customarily served alongside fresh dates. The sweetness of the dates complements the slightly bitter and spicy notes of the coffee, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the coffee beans, cardamom, and other spices is key to achieving a rich and aromatic cup of Gahwa.
Balance the Spices: The ratio of coffee to spices should be balanced. Cardamom is the most important spice, but adding too much of other spices like cloves or saffron can overpower the coffee.
Serve Immediately: Saudi coffee is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it immediately after preparation to retain its warmth and aroma.