What is Kurdish Coffee (Menengiç Coffee)?

Kurdish coffee, also called menengiç coffee, is a unique type of coffee from Turkish and Kurdish cultures. The fruits of the terebinth tree, a wild pistachio, make this decaf coffee. Locally, people know Pistacia as menengiç.

Once people harvest pistacia, they dry it under the sun, roast it, and then mash it to create a paste. People use this paste to make Kurdish coffee or menengiç coffee. So, when you buy menengiç coffee, you will not see a dry ground substance in the jar but a paste.

The traditional recipe typically blends this fine ground with full-fat milk and sugar, creating a smooth, creamy concoction. However, modern variations sometimes incorporate coffee, offering a contemporary twist to this age-old brew.

What Does Menengiç Coffee Taste Like?

The aroma and flavor of Kurdish coffee are genuinely inviting. Often prepared with a rich menengiç paste, the addition of milk or water creates a comforting, warm beverage. Its caffeine-free nature makes it a perfect choice for any time of the day, offering the pleasure of coffee without the caffeine.

Kurdish coffee, especially popular in southeastern Anatolia, is a big part of the area's coffee culture, where many coffee houses serve it, calling it 'Qazwan' (terebinth).

A Decaf Turkish Coffee Experience

One of the most remarkable features of menengiç coffee is its lack of caffeine. If caffeine bothers you or you need a warm drink at night that won't keep you awake, menengiç coffee is a good choice. Its preparation and enjoyment are a nod to the rich traditions of the Ottoman Empire, where coffee was more than a drink; it was a cultural cornerstone.

How to Make Kurdish Menengiç Coffee?

Kurdish coffee, also known as menengic coffee, offers a unique and comforting caffeine-free option for coffee lovers. Now let’s make menengiç coffee at home with both traditional and modern brew methods:

Note: Remember, only use cold water with the electric Turkish coffee maker for menengiç coffee. If using a traditional copper cezve, milk is also a good option.

Ingredients:

• Menengiç coffee (fine powder for SAKI, paste for traditional method)
• 2 cups of whole milk (for traditional method)
• 2 cups of water (for SAKI)
• Sugar or honey to taste (optional)

Traditional Method with a Saucepan (Using Menengiç Paste and Milk)

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of menengiç paste with 2 cups of whole milk. You can also use water for a lighter taste, but milk adds a creamy texture.
2. Heat Gently: Place the saucepan over low heat. Stir gently to mix the menengiç paste and milk thoroughly.
3. Simmer Carefully: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for a few minutes. Avoid boiling to prevent the milk from curdling.
4. Let it Rest: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for a minute. This will allow the paste to settle at the bottom of the cup.
5. Serve: Pour the coffee into your favorite cup, adding sugar or honey if desired. Enjoy the creamy and rich flavor.

Modern Method with SAKI (Using Ground Menengiç and Water)

1. Prepare Ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of finely ground menengiç to the SAKI Electric Turkish Coffee Maker.
2. Add Water: Pour in water up to the indicated level in the Turkish coffee maker. This method uses only water to highlight the unique flavor of menengiç.
3. Brew: Turn on the SAKI and let it brew the coffee. The machine will heat the mixture to the perfect temperature, ensuring a consistent brew.
4. Wait and Enjoy: Once the brewing cycle is complete, pour the menengiç coffee into your cup. Add sugar or honey if you like it sweet.

Wrapping Up

Menengiç Coffee is more than just a decaf coffee; it's a journey into a lesser-known part of Turkish coffee culture. Try brewing it in your Turkish Coffee Maker for a new coffee experience.

Common Questions & Answers

Q: What is menengiç coffee?

A: Menengiç coffee is a traditional Turkish beverage made from the roasted fruits of the pistacia tree. Menengiç coffee is popular for its special, earthy taste. A great caffeine-free choice instead of regular coffee. It has a smooth, nutty flavor and you can have it with or without milk.

Q: How does menengiç coffee differ from regular Turkish coffee?

A: Menengiç coffee, another Turkish specialty, uses pistacia fruits instead of coffee beans, resulting in a caffeine-free beverage. It tastes nutty and earthy, which is different from the strong taste of Turkish coffee. Usually, people drink menengiç coffee without adding sugar or spices, giving it a more natural flavor.

Q: Can you make menengiç coffee in an electric Turkish coffee maker?

A: Yes, you can make menengiç coffee with an electric Turkish coffee maker. However, there's a catch. Typically, people make menengiç coffee with milk but Turkish coffee makers are to be used with water. So, you'll need to make your menengiç coffee with water instead of milk to make it with electric Turkish coffee maker.

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