Iced Café De Olla | Mexican Spiced Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 quart water
- 1/2 cup dark roast ground coffee
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 star anise
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 orange peel
- Crushed ice
- Optional: coffee liqueur for a spirited version
Instructions
- First, take a large saucepan and allow the water to come to a boil.
- Then, add the ground coffee, cinnamon stick, brown sugar, star anise, ground cloves, and orange peel.
- Stir well, allow to simmer for 5 minutes, and turn off the heat. Then, let it steep for an extra 5 minutes.
- Pour the coffee mixture into a pitcher by straining it through cheesecloth. Discard the solids.
- Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
- To serve, place crushed ice in glasses and pour chilled café de olla over the ice.
- For a spirited version, add a splash of coffee liqueur to each glass before serving.
Pairing dishes with Iced Café de Olla
It can be a delightful culinary experience. Here are some suggestions that complement the flavors of this Mexican spiced coffee:
Tres Leches Cake
A moist cake soaked in three kinds of milk would contrast nicely with the bold flavors of the iced coffee.
Churros
The classic Spanish pastry, deep-fried and dusted with sugar, pairs exceptionally well with the sweet and spicy notes of the coffee.
Pan de Muerto
Traditionally served during the Mexican Day of the Dead festivities, this sweet bread would go splendidly with the comforting spices in the café de olla.
Flan
The creamy caramel flavors of a traditional flan would balance the robust and spicy notes of the iced coffee.
Mexican Chocolate Brownies
The hint of cinnamon in both the brownies and the coffee can create a harmonious flavor profile.
Cinnamon Sugar Sopapillas
These light and crispy pastries complement the spiced coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
Molletes
A Mexican open-faced sandwich topped with beans, cheese, and pico de gallo provides a savory contrast to the sweet and spiced coffee.
Caramelized Plantains
The sweetness of the plantains will highlight the brown sugar and cinnamon notes in the café de olla.
Biscotti
Choose a variety, like almond or chocolate chip biscotti, to dip into the iced café de olla for an international fusion of flavors.
Nutritional Facts
A typical serving of Café de Olla might contain the following, based on the ingredients used in the traditional recipe (this can vary greatly depending on the amounts of sugar and coffee used):
Calories
The calorie count primarily comes from the sugar used to sweeten the drink. A serving might have anywhere from 50 to 100 calories, assuming 1 to 2 teaspoons of brown sugar are used per cup.
Carbohydrates
Most carbohydrates come from sugar, with a serving containing around 12–24 grams, depending on how much sugar is added.
Fiber
Café de Olla is not a significant source of dietary fiber.
Proteins
There is a negligible amount of protein in Café de Olla.
Fats
This beverage is generally fat-free unless a dairy product like milk or cream is added.
Micronutrients
Caffeine
It provides the stimulant effect known to increase alertness. The content can vary but is typically around 95 mg per cup of coffee.
Antioxidants
Coffee is rich in antioxidants like hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols, which can neutralize free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress.
Potential Health Benefits
Stimulating Effects
The caffeine in Café de Olla can help improve concentration and mental alertness.
Antioxidant Properties
The antioxidants in coffee can support overall health and protect against cellular damage.
Metabolic Benefits
Moderate coffee consumption has been associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and improved metabolic function.
Liver Health
Research has suggested that coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of liver diseases, including liver cancer and cirrhosis.
Cinnamon and Other Spices
Café de Olla is characterized by adding cinnamon and sometimes other spices like cloves and star anise. These spices add not only flavor but also their health benefits:
Cinnamon
Known for its potential to regulate blood sugar levels and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties,
Cloves
Rich in antioxidants and compounds linked to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Star Anise
It contains antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which are beneficial for immune function.
Considerations
While Café de Olla has these potential benefits, it’s essential to consider the sugar content. Modifying the traditional recipe by reducing the sugar content can make Café de Olla a healthier choice.
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