Gahwa ( Spiced Arabic Coffee ) #Bahrainicuisine

       It was a traditional ritual to prepare and serve this Arabic coffee. Serving this coffee is an indication that a guest is welcomed and honored.

  The host usually tastes the gahwa to ensure it is perfect then pours to the guest. Important guest are served first and elderly are served first.

Usually Arabic coffee is used to make this gahwa , I used the freshly ground coffee from the coffee beans we got from a friend’s estate.

 Gahwa is never sweetened with sugar . Instead , fresh dates , sweets , pastries like baklava are served along with this coffee.

Requirements :

1tbs of Arabic coffe

1 tbs coarsely ground cardamom

2 cup water

Method :

 Add the coffee to the pot and warm it  by mixing with the spoon on a low heat for few minutes.

Add in the water , bring to boil and boil for 3 – 4 minutes.

Some add 5 cloves to the boiling water. In some region they add saffron strands and rose water.

Filter  the boiled coffee through a strainer and pour into jug ( Dallah ) or in a pot.

Add in the cardamom to the hot coffee , bring to boil , then simmer for 20 minutes.

Serve gahwa with Arabic delight , dates or this Bahraini halwa.

Usually they have 2 – 3 cups at a time.