Best 2 Sweet Coffee Or Saffron Infusion Qahwat Al Hilo Recipes

Qahwat al hilo, meaning "sweet coffee" or "saffron infusion," is a traditional Saudi Arabian beverage that is popular throughout the Middle East. Made with a base of cardamom-infused coffee, this warm and aromatic drink is wonderfully complex, featuring a harmonious blend of sweet, floral, and slightly smoky flavors. Saffron, a prized spice known for its vibrant color and distinct aroma, lends its luxurious character to the infusion, while the addition of sugar syrup or dates creates a delightful sweetness. Whether served as a comforting treat on a chilly evening or enjoyed as a symbol of hospitality, qahwat al hilo is a captivating beverage that invites you to embrace the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SWEET COFFEE - OR SAFFRON INFUSION (QAHWAT AL-HILO)

Sweet Coffee - or Saffron Infusion (Qahwat Al-Hilo) image

Sweet and Yummy. This is actually just an exotic spice infusion, and though called a coffee, there is no coffee in it. From The Complete Middle East Cookbook, Gulf States section, by Tess Mallos.

Provided by UmmBinat

Categories Beverages

Time 40m

Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

2 cups water
3 whole cardamom pods
3 teaspoons saffron threads, pounded
sugar

Steps:

Bruise cardamom pods by hitting with a mallet or pound briefly in a mortar.
Combine the ingredients in a small pan or large long handled coffe pot.
Stir to desolve the sugar, then leave on low heat for 30 minutes until reduced and thick.
Serve in Arabic coffee cups*, filling them.
*Those small cups the size Chinese tea is served inches.
An exotic brew!

EID DRINK (A SWEET DRINK WITH MILK AND SAFFRON)

Eid Drink (A Sweet Drink With Milk and Saffron) image

My parents always make this on special occasions, but it's also a nice refreshing dessert drink for anytime. If you can't find rosewater at your local Indian/Middle Eastern store you can omit, but it adds a lovely fragrance. I haven't tried this with Splenda yet but I will someday!

Provided by BrownSugarChef

Categories Beverages

Time 10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

4 cups of cold 2% low-fat milk or 4 cups whole milk
4 -5 saffron threads
1/2 cup sugar
pistachio nut (chopped, for garnish)
rose water (optional)

Steps:

Place a few tablespoons of milk in a small bowl and add the saffron threads. Gently stir with a wooden spoon and set aside. The saffron will infuse the milk and turn it into a golden color.
Pour the remaining milk in a pitcher and stir in sugar until dissolved. Add two drops of rosewater (too much rosewater makes the drink bitter). Lastly, add the saffron-infused milk into the pitcher and stir.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 218.8, Fat 4.8, SaturatedFat 3.1, Cholesterol 19.5, Sodium 100, Carbohydrate 36.4, Sugar 37.3, Protein 8.1

Tips:

Use freshly roasted coffee beans for the best flavor.
Grind the coffee beans just before brewing.
Use filtered or spring water for brewing.
Bring the water to a boil, then remove it from the heat and let it cool for a minute before brewing.
Use a coffee maker that brews at a temperature between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add the desired amount of sugar and saffron to the coffee before serving.
Garnish the coffee with a sprinkle of ground cardamom or cinnamon.

Conclusion:

Qahwat al-Hilo is a delicious and aromatic coffee drink that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed hot or cold. With its unique flavor and health benefits, Qahwat al-Hilo is a great addition to any coffee lover's repertoire.