We have always associated coffee with being quick and easily prepared. We have witnessed instant coffee advertisements since we were young and believe instant coffee is how coffee is supposed to be without being much aware that it is very different from coffee that is freshly brewed!
There are several factors to consider when transitioning from instant coffee to freshly brewed. There are different ways to brew coffee at home. One of the simplest ways to brew coffee at home without any additional investment is channi coffee! This is the best way to go about it when you shift to brewing coffee at home.
What is Channi coffee?
Channi coffee has cultural significance in parts of India and South Asia. A channi is a simple kitchen tool commonly found in households in India, used for sifting flour, straining liquids, and filtering coffee. Channi is the fine mesh sieve used to strain the coffee. Channi coffee is similar to filtered coffee but has a distinctive flavour and brewing method that reflects tradition and practicality.
This is a practical way to make coffee without any additional or fancy equipment.
Benefits of channi coffee
Cost-effective: There is no need to purchase any fancy equipment to brew this coffee. All the ingredients are easily available at home. A channi is easily available in all Indian households.
Easy to make: This is one of the easiest ways to make freshly brewed coffee. You don’t need any prior experience or expertise to make this coffee. Usually, coffee brewing methods are elaborate; comparatively, this is an easy way to prepare freshly brewed coffee.
Customise: The brewing process allows flexibility in terms of the flavour. Adjust the steeping time as per taste and make a cup of coffee exactly as per your choice.
Rich in flavour: One can taste the richness of the coffee beans when the coffee is brewed correctly. The bold and robust flavour of the coffee can be enjoyed!
How to make Channi coffee:
We show you how easy it is to make a cup of freshly brewed coffee at home, using the ingredients and tools easily available at home!
2 tbsp coarsely ground coffee
1 cup water, around 240 ml
- Start by boiling water in a kettle. The temperature should be just below the boiling point. Over-extraction can make the coffee taste bitter.
- Place the coffee grounds in a cup or a bowl. For every cup of water, add about 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee.
- Carefully pour hot water over the coffee grounds. Gently stir the mixture to ensure the grounds are soaked evenly. Let it soak for a few minutes.
- Once the coffee has steeped, place the channi over the cup and slowly pour the coffee through the sieve. The grounds will be caught in the mesh, leaving you with a smooth cup of coffee.
- Channi coffee is ready! You can have it as it is; add milk or any sweetener according to your taste.
- You can also try making Cold Channi Coffee: Take cold water, add coffee, keep it covered for about 8–12 hours, and then strain it with a strainer. You will have a mildly flavoured brew.
Tips for making the perfect channi coffee
- Use freshly ground coffee beans for an aromatic experience.
- Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to suit your strength preference.
- Clean the channi thoroughly to avoid residue buildup and ensure a smooth cup every time.
- To make it less bitter, reduce the brewing time.
- If you want to make the coffee less sour, increase the brew time a little.
- To make it stronger, use more coffee grounds.
- To make a clean brew, use a wet muslin cloth over the strainer to capture the small sediments that might go through the strainer.
Key Differences:
Flavour profile:
This depends on the type of roast and the coffee blend. It is often described as rich and robust. It has a slightly earthy note as the coffee grounds are directly mixed with boiling water.
Ease and accessibility:
It is one of the easiest ways to brew coffee, fairly simple, without fancy equipment. It is prepared in 5-7 minutes.
Texture:
It has a slightly gritty texture because the fine ground can slip through the strainer.
Time and convenience:
It is one of the quickest and least expensive methods, quick and easy to prepare. It is ideal for those who don’t want to invest much time. It is Sipping coffee is considered one of the pleasures of life. To make this experience valuable, use good-quality coffee, experiment with different flavours and brewing methods, and see what makes you happy and healthy!
