Coffee with Milk and Ghee

Name: Coffee with Milk and Ghee
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: Coffee with Milk and Ghee

Beverages • India

KCAL

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PROTEIN (G)

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CARBS (G)

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FAT (G)

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How to Make Coffee with Milk and Ghee

Traditional + healthy version with step-by-step photos · 35 min total · 2 servings

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How to Make Coffee with Milk and Ghee (Traditional & Healthy Version)

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 20 min

2 servings

Easy

Coffee with Milk and Ghee is a cherished beverage in South India, especially Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where filter coffee is an essential part of daily life. This unique recipe blends strong decoction coffee (kaapi), full-fat milk (doodh), and a touch of pure desi ghee, creating a rich, creamy drink that’s both comforting and energizing. The addition of ghee is rooted in Ayurveda, believed to enhance digestion and provide sustained energy. Traditionally served in a davara-tumbler, this coffee is enjoyed during breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up, often accompanied by light snacks like idli or dosa. Unlike modern coffee variations, Coffee with Milk and Ghee is deeply intertwined with Indian culture, offering warmth and wellness during chilly mornings or festive gatherings. The ghee lends a silky texture and subtle aroma, balancing the robust flavor of coffee and the natural sweetness of milk. This beverage is especially popular during festivals like Pongal and Diwali, symbolizing abundance and hospitality. Its wholesome ingredients make it suitable for health-conscious individuals seeking authentic Indian flavors in their daily routine.

Diabetic-Friendly Weight Loss Kid-Friendly

Allergens: Dairy

Ingredients(for 1 cup (180 ml) per serving)

3 tbsp Filter coffee powder (South Indian kaapi powder)
2 cups Full-fat milk (doodh)
2 tsp Desi ghee (clarified butter)
1 cup Water (for decoction)
1-2 tsp Jaggery powder (gur, optional for sweetness) - optional
1/4 tsp Cardamom powder (elaichi, optional for flavor) - optional
a pinch Black pepper powder (kali mirch, optional for warmth) - optional
a pinch Cinnamon powder (dalchini, optional for aroma) - optional

Instructions

1
Prepare the coffee decoction using traditional South Indian filter. Add coffee powder to the upper chamber, pour hot water, and allow to brew for 10-12 minutes.
12 minutes
Use freshly ground kaapi powder for best flavor.
2
While the decoction is brewing, heat the milk (doodh) in a saucepan on low flame until it comes to a gentle boil.
5 minutes
Stir occasionally to prevent burning and retain creaminess.
3
Add desi ghee to the boiling milk and mix well until fully melted and incorporated.
2 minutes
Use homemade ghee for authentic taste and aroma.
4
Combine the brewed coffee decoction and milk-ghee mixture in a davara-tumbler or cup. Adjust strength according to preference.
2 minutes
Mix gently for a smooth, frothy finish.

Why This Dish is Healthy

This traditional recipe is a healthy choice because it uses pure, unprocessed ingredients like desi ghee and milk, which are staples in Indian nutrition. Ghee is known for its gut-friendly properties and omega fatty acids, while milk provides calcium and protein. By avoiding refined sugar and using jaggery, the drink becomes even more wholesome. The addition of spices further boosts metabolism and supports immunity, making Coffee with Milk and Ghee a nourishing beverage for breakfast or midday refreshment.

Coffee with Milk and Ghee is rich in healthy fats from desi ghee, which supports digestion and provides sustained energy. Milk adds high-quality protein, calcium, and essential vitamins like B12. The coffee decoction contains antioxidants that may boost metabolism and alertness. Optional jaggery is a natural sweetener with trace minerals, while spices like cardamom and black pepper aid in digestion and enhance flavor. This beverage is balanced in macronutrients, offering a moderate dose of carbs, protein, and fat, making it suitable for sustained energy through the day.