TANJAAVOOR KALLICHOTTU KAAPI
 |
| 'Coffee Gyaan ! |
Kallichottu' in Tamil means a drop of thick and milky sap of the cactus plant . A cup of thick coffee (similar to the thickness of Kallichottu ) prepared with a dash of strong filter coffee and a glass of freshly boiled cow's milk is thus termed as 'Kallichottu Kaapi' or Degree kaapi. We enjoyed this exotic coffee in all 'Kaapi clubs' in Tanjaavoor district during our tour in South India.
When our neighbor who is a coffee planter gifted us with a bag of coffee beans I decided to roast and grind coffee powder as my grandmother did years ago. The next day as I enjoyed the exotic flavour of the filter coffee prepared using the fresh powder, I remembered that I had not done a post on my favourite Filter Coffee after all these years of blogging ! So here is a post on how I prepared the Tanjaavoor Kallichottu Kaapi / Degree kaapi for my family stating from scratch.
To make the coffee powder I used a blend of 1kg of coffee beans and 100 gms of BRU Roast and Ground Green Label filter coffee powder. This adds to the strength and flavour of the blend.
TO MAKE THE COFFEE POWDER
TO MAKE THE COFFEE POWDER
 |
| Coffee Beans |
Start roasting the coffee beans in a heavy bottomed kadai on high flame stirring continuously.
 |
| Roast in a heavy bottomed kadai |
When it starts to change colour reduce flame and keep roasting and stirring continuously.
 |
| Colour change |
At this stage the seeds will start cracking emitting a very pleasant aroma. Keep roasting and stirring.
 |
| Sift in a colander |
When the seeds turn dark brown in colour switch off flame and pour the beans into a colander and shake well. This will prevent the seeds from roasting more in its own heat, and the burnt husk also gets separated.
 |
| Roasted seeds and BRU |
Spread the seeds in a large plate and allow to cool. When the seeds are thoroughly cooled allow them to sit in an airtight box overnight.
Grind the roasted seeds into a coarse powder on the next day.
 |
| The coffee Blend |
Blend the BRU Roast and Ground Green Label filter coffee powder together with the freshly ground powder. Store in an airtight container to keep the aroma intact.
TO MAKE KALLICHOTTU KAAPI
Wash and dry the coffee filter. Spread 4 tablespoons of coffee powder evenly inside the filter.
Bring water to a boil and pour it gently around the coffee powder till the powder is covered evenly ( about 3/4 cup of boiling water is sufficient) and cover with the lid.
Boil one tumbler/ lota ( 2 cups ) of fresh organic cow's milk in a small saucepan.
Reduce flame and pour the fresh decoction from the filter into the milk until the coffee turns golden brown in colour.
 |
| Making foam |
 |
| Kallichottu Kaapi |
Your tumbler / lota of hot and strong Kallichottu Kaapi / Degree Kaapi is ready!
My family prefers coffee without sugar.You can stir in sugar to taste if needed.
Freshly boiled cow's milk combined with freshly filtered coffee gives the best 'Degree Kaapi' ever.
|
| Coffee Gyaan |
Here, I have shared my 'Coffee Gyaan' with you! Enjoy the fresh aroma of coffee and sip the freshly prepared Tanjavoor Kallichottu Kaapi / Degree Kaapi at leisure!
Comments
in case you happen to travel on the Tindivanam -Chennai highway you would spot a place called Silavattam where an Iyengar gentleman has an outlet for freshly prepared coffee (done in your presence).The shop is known by the name OCIPL Only Coffee Ind.put ltd.)
It simulates the equivalent of what is described here.
Athimber (Neela Venkataraman)
Have a Happy Day!
Peace :)