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Café con Leche

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegetarian, Beverages

Café con Leche

In the bustling cafés of Spain, Café con Leche is the morning's warm embrace, a familiar comfort found in nearly every corner. It's a staple of daily life, made so frequently that the recipe lives in the minds of baristas and home cooks alike. This home version mirrors the generous spirit of a Spanish family kitchen, where a pot of this soothing drink is as much a part of the morning as the sunrise.

Rich and velvety, Café con Leche combines the robust depth of freshly pulled espresso with the creamy smoothness of whole milk. Sweeten it to your liking, and each sip offers a perfect balance of bold and mellow, creating a moment of simple pleasure that transcends the ordinary.

Ingredients

  • 4 shotsfreshly pulled espresso
  • 500 mlwhole milk — steamed
  • to tastesugar

Method

  1. Begin by preparing 4 shots of freshly pulled espresso. Use a high-quality espresso machine to ensure a rich and aromatic brew. Once brewed, set the espresso aside to cool slightly if you prefer a chilled version, or keep it warm if you prefer a hot drink.
  2. In a medium saucepan, gently warm 500 ml of whole milk over low heat. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent the milk from scorching. Heat the milk until it is steaming but not boiling, which ensures a smooth texture without forming a skin on the surface.
  3. If you prefer your Café con Leche sweetened, add sugar to taste to the warm milk. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth and even sweetness throughout the milk. This step is crucial for integrating the sugar fully into the drink.
  4. Combine the warm milk and the espresso in a large pitcher or directly in the saucepan. Stir the mixture gently to blend the flavors, creating a harmonious balance between the robust coffee and the creamy milk.
  5. Allow the Café con Leche to rest for a minute or two. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Taste the drink and adjust the sweetness if necessary, adding a bit more sugar if desired.
  6. Pour the Café con Leche into warmed cups if serving hot, or over ice if you prefer it chilled. Serve immediately to enjoy the drink at its optimal temperature, capturing the essence of a traditional Spanish café experience.
Cover of Authentic Spanish Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Spanish Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Spanish Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Spanish volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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