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Colombian Cafe con Leche

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegetarian, Beverages

Colombian Cafe con Leche

In the heart of Colombia's coffee-growing regions, Cafe con Leche is a staple that warms the mornings and punctuates the afternoons. This version, crafted like those at the bustling counters of coffee fincas, captures the essence of home-brewed comfort. It's a ritual that transforms everyday moments into cherished pauses, where the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the sweet notes of panela.

Each sip offers a creamy embrace, enriched by generous whole milk and a whisper of cinnamon that lingers on the palate. The slight hint of salt, measured by intuition, elevates the flavors, making every cup a warm invitation to savor the simple pleasures of Colombian life.

Ingredients

  • 4 cupsstrong Colombian coffee
  • 2 cupswhole milk
  • 2 tbsppanela or sugar
  • pinchground cinnamon

Method

  1. Start by brewing 4 cups of strong Colombian coffee. Use a coffee maker or a stovetop espresso pot to achieve a robust flavor. The coffee should be dark and aromatic, with a deep, rich scent that fills the kitchen. Once brewed, set the coffee aside to keep warm.
  2. In a medium saucepan, pour 2 cups of whole milk. Heat the milk over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Warm the milk until small bubbles begin to form around the edges, but do not let it boil. The milk should be steaming and have a creamy, smooth texture.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of panela or sugar to the warm milk. Stir gently until the panela or sugar is completely dissolved. This will sweeten the milk and add a subtle caramel note that complements the coffee's bitterness.
  4. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon into the milk mixture. Stir gently to incorporate the cinnamon, which will add a warm, spicy aroma to the cafe con leche. The cinnamon should be evenly distributed, enhancing the milk's flavor without overpowering it.
  5. Slowly pour the brewed coffee into the saucepan with the milk mixture. Stir gently to combine the coffee and milk, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors. The mixture should have a rich, brown color and a smooth, velvety texture.
  6. Once combined, immediately pour the Colombian cafe con leche into traditional glassware or mugs. Serving it immediately ensures that the coffee remains hot and the flavors are at their peak. Enjoy your cafe con leche with family or friends, as is customary in Colombian homes.
Cover of Authentic Colombian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Colombian Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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