Brewing Authentic South Indian Coffee Without a Traditional Filter

South Indian coffee, known for its robust flavour and rich scent, is often made with a metal coffee filter. However, a standard filter is not required to enjoy this famous beverage; with a few tweaks, you can brew a superb cup of South Indian coffee with only a pot and a strainer. To make it even more authentic, replace the sugar with jaggery, a natural sweetener that gives your coffee a rich, caramel-like flavour.

Begin by selecting the appropriate coffee powder, which is critical for recreating the distinctive South Indian flavour. Choose a medium to dark roast, finely ground coffee that mixes Arabica and Robusta beans, commonly known as "South Indian filter coffee" powder. Once you've got your coffee powder, heat roughly one cup of water in a small pot. When the water comes to a boil, turn off the heat and add two tablespoons of coffee powder. Stir carefully to ensure that the coffee and water combine evenly, then cover the pot and steep for about five minutes to allow the grinds to release their full flavour.

While the coffee steeps make a cup with a small piece of jaggery, the amount of jaggery you use will depend on your sweetness preferences, but start with one to two teaspoons of finely shredded jaggery. Pour a generous amount of hot, freshly boiled milk into the cup, allowing the jaggery to dissolve fully. Whole milk is perfect for creating a creamy mouthfeel to compliment the rich coffee.

After five minutes, place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over your cup and slowly pour the steeped coffee over it to separate the liquid from the grounds, allowing the brewed coffee to combine with the milk and melted jaggery. The jaggery will add a distinct, earthy sweetness that complements the powerful coffee notes, resulting in a warm, comfortable beverage with a hint of caramel.

To get the frothy texture that South Indian coffee is known for, utilize the "Deborah" method, which involves transferring the coffee mixture back and forth between two cups from a height. This aerates the coffee and creates a light, frothy coating on top. Pour confidently, but carefully, to achieve the perfect froth.

Enjoy your South Indian coffee right away, with the rich, aromatic blend of coffee and jaggery. Even without a typical filter, this approach delivers the powerful taste and creamy texture of a traditional South Indian cup, with the extra depth of flavour from jaggery. It's a simple yet delicious method to drink authentic South Indian coffee at home.