Aromatic Basil Herbal Coffee

As the snow falls and you find yourself craving a warm, comforting beverage, reach for this Aromatic Basil Herbal Coffee. This South Indian-inspired herbal coffee recipe, with its blend of aromatic spices and medicinal herbs, will not only soothe your senses but also provide relief from common cold symptoms, headaches, and sinus issues. Whether you're seeking a cozy drink to lift your spirits or a natural home remedy, this herbal coffee is the perfect choice.

Ingredients:

- 3 cups water

- 10 fresh basil leaves (or tulsi leaves, if available)

- 2 whole cardamom pods

- 2 whole cloves

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

- 3 slices of dried ginger

- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

- 2-3 inches slice jaggery or palm sugar

- 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Equipment: Saucepan, mortar and pestle, lid for saucepan, strainer

Instructions:

1. Place a saucepan over medium heat and add 3 cups of water.

2. While the water starts heating, take a mortar and pestle and slightly crush the 2 whole cardamom pods and 2 whole cloves to release their flavor.

3. Add the cardamom, cloves, and 10 basil leaves to the heating water.

4. Next, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin into the saucepan.

5. Slightly crush 3 slices of dried ginger in the mortar and pestle before adding it to the water.

6. Add freshly ground black pepper, around 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon depending on your heat preference.

7. Take a slice of jaggery (2-3 inches) and crush it lightly, then add it to the saucepan. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste by adding more or less.

8. Cover the saucepan with a lid, ensuring there's no vent, and let the mixture brew on medium heat for 5 minutes.

9. After 5 minutes, reduce the heat to low and let it brew for an additional 5 minutes.

10. Remove the lid, and the aroma of basil, dried ginger, and spices should be quite apparent now.

11. Add 2 teaspoons of instant coffee powder into the saucepan and give it a good stir.

12. Turn off the heat and cover the saucepan again. Let it sit covered for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the coffee to steep and develop more flavor.

13. Strain the herbal coffee through a strainer to remove the herbs and spices.

14. Serve hot in your favorite mug and enjoy the comforting and healing benefits of this Aromatic Basil Herbal Coffee.

Cooking Tips:

- If you have fresh tulsi (holy basil) leaves, they are preferred for this recipe. Otherwise, standard basil leaves can be used.

- Jaggery can be replaced with brown sugar if needed, but jaggery provides a unique depth of flavor and added health benefits.

Servings: Makes about 3 cups.

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Recipe courtesy of Thasneen from the Cooking with Thas YouTube channel. For more delicious recipes, visit https://www.youtube.com/@thasneen

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