Coffee with Milk
India • Non-Vegetarian
How to Make Coffee with Milk (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Coffee with milk, known locally as 'doodh wali coffee', is a beloved beverage across India, gracing breakfast tables and roadside cafes from Tamil Nadu to Punjab. Traditionally prepared by boiling freshly ground coffee with creamy milk and a hint of sugar, this classic Indian drink is both comforting and invigorating. South Indian filter coffee, made using a metal filter (kaapi filter), is especially famous for its rich flavor and aromatic strength, making it a staple in homes and coffee houses alike. Not only does coffee with milk provide a gentle energy boost, but it also offers a soothing, warm experience — perfect for starting the day or unwinding in the evening. The creamy texture from milk balances the robust bitterness of coffee, creating a harmonious blend that appeals to both new and seasoned coffee lovers. Whether enjoyed with breakfast snacks or as a mid-day pick-me-up, this beverage holds a special place in Indian culture, often shared during conversations or family gatherings. For health-conscious individuals, making coffee with low-fat milk and minimal sugar ensures you get all the traditional flavor with fewer calories. This recipe celebrates India's love for coffee while keeping nutrition in mind, making it suitable for anyone tracking their calories or following a balanced vegetarian diet.
Ingredients(for 1 cup (200 ml) coffee with milk)
- 2 tablespoons Freshly ground coffee powder (preferably South Indian filter coffee)
- 2 cups (400 ml) Milk (use low-fat or toned milk for fewer calories)
- 1 cup (200 ml) Water (for brewing coffee)
- 2 teaspoons Sugar (adjust to taste or use a natural sweetener) - optional
- 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom powder (elaichi, optional for aroma) - optional
- a pinch Cinnamon powder (dalchini, optional for flavor) - optional
- 1 Coffee filter or strainer (South Indian metal filter preferred)
- as needed Stevia or jaggery (for sugar-free adaptation) - optional
- a pinch Nutmeg powder (jaiphal, optional for added warmth) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Add freshly ground coffee powder to the filter and gently press down. Pour hot water over the coffee powder and let it drip for 5-7 minutes to collect the decoction.
7 minutes
Use boiling water for a stronger decoction; do not overfill the filter.
- 2
While the decoction brews, pour milk into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5 minutes
Use low-fat milk for a lighter, health-conscious drink.
- 3
Once the decoction is ready, pour it into two cups. Add boiled milk to each cup in equal proportion.
2 minutes
For authentic texture, pour milk and coffee back and forth between cups to create froth.
- 4
Add sugar or preferred sweetener to taste. Stir well until dissolved. Optionally, mix in cardamom, cinnamon, or nutmeg for extra flavor.
1 minute
Try jaggery or stevia for a healthier, low-GI sweetening option.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Indian coffee recipe is a smart choice for anyone seeking a low-calorie, energizing beverage. Swapping full-fat milk for toned or low-fat milk reduces saturated fat, while using natural sweeteners like stevia or jaggery supports blood sugar control. The antioxidants in coffee and the protein from milk make this drink both refreshing and nourishing, perfect for vegetarians and those watching their macros.
Coffee with milk provides a balanced combination of protein, calcium, and antioxidants. Milk contributes essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins, supporting bone health and metabolism. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, known to improve alertness and mood. Using low-fat milk and minimal sugar keeps the calorie count lower, making it suitable for weight-conscious diets. Optional spices like cardamom and cinnamon add trace minerals and aid digestion.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use freshly ground coffee for maximum aroma and flavor.
- 💡Tip 2: Pour coffee and milk back and forth between cups for authentic froth.
- 💡Tip 3: Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for a unique twist.
- 💡Tip 4: Clean the filter immediately to prevent bitterness in future brews.
- 💡Tip 5: Adjust milk-to-coffee ratio to suit your taste preference.
Storage & Serving
Best enjoyed fresh and hot. Can be kept for up to 6-8 hours in a thermos. Refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat before serving.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 60.0 kcal |
| Protein | 3.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.0 g |
| Total Fat | 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.0 g |
| Sugars | 4.8 g |
| Sodium | 40.0 mg |
| Potassium | 160.0 mg |
| Cholesterol | 12.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 55.0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.0 mg |
| Calcium | 120.0 mg |
| Iron | 0.1 mg |
| Magnesium | 12.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.4 mg |
| Phosphorus | 90.0 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.4 µg |
| Folate | 5.0 µg |
