Qaxwo (Somali Spiced Coffee)
In short: Ground coffee simmered with fresh ginger, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, strained and served sweet in small cups to guests and after meals. It takes about 17 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Total
- 17 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 65 kcal
Qaxwo is coffee as it is made in many Somali homes: ground coffee simmered with fresh ginger, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, strained and poured into small cups. It is sweet, aromatic and warming, and it is served to guests and after meals with dates or a sweet like xalwo. Some people add a splash of milk. Brew it in a small pot and let the grounds settle before you pour.
Instructions
- Put the water, ginger, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon in a small pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the ground coffee and stir once. Bring back to a gentle boil and watch the pot so it does not foam over.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Take the pot off the heat and let the grounds settle for 2 minutes.
- Strain through a fine sieve or a paper filter into small cups. Stir in sugar to taste and serve hot.
Tips
- Crush the spices just before brewing. Pre-ground spices lose their aroma quickly.
- Serve with dates or a piece of halwa. A splash of hot milk turns it into a milder, creamier cup.
Questions and answers
Can I use instant coffee?
You can, but brewed ground coffee tastes better with spices. Simmer the spices first, then stir in 4 teaspoons of instant coffee at the end.
What kind of coffee works best?
A medium or dark roast, ground medium-coarse. Very fine grounds make the coffee muddy and bitter when simmered.
Is Somali coffee strong?
It is stronger than a drip coffee but lighter than espresso. The spices add warmth, and the sugar balances the bitterness.
How long does it take to make Qaxwo (Somali Spiced Coffee)?
About 17 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Qaxwo (Somali Spiced Coffee)?
About 65 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 16 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 65 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
