If you grew up in a Balkan household or were close to someone who was from the Balkans, then you may have heard about what happens to children who drink coffee. You see, from a very early age, Balkan children are surrounded by coffee. Turkish coffee to be exact. Coffee drinking in the Balkans is as natural as drinking water. All problems, business deals, and gossip happen over coffee. Dark, foamy, and sweetened with a sugar cube or two if you like. And children, the curious creatures that they are, want to try it of course. “Ne ne” they say, “you’ll grow a tail”. Instead, they’d make Bela Kafa for us to satisfy our curiosity. And now I know why I love lattes so much…
Bela Kafa, or White Coffee was a staple for my brother and I growing up among other things like popara and kačamak. We had it at all times of the day. I’m naturally not caffeine sensitive, meaning late nights in college and grad school were…not pleasant, let’s just put it that way. I wonder if this caffeine exposure since the age of 2 has anything to do with it LOL.
Bela Kafa is made by pouring hot sweetened milk into a cup partially filled with hot, freshly prepared Turkish coffee. After a good stir, the delicious and soothing drink is ready to enjoy by those of all ages. The amount of coffee you use will depend on your preference and who you’re serving it to (like young children 🙂 ). Adjust sugar to taste, and oh don’t forget there are many milk alternatives now so you have many options. Personally, I’ve tried making this with almond milk and it tasted nothing like the real thing. If you’re looking for the true, authentic taste of Bela Kafa, use full fat cow’s milk.
Looking for more traditional drink ideas? Check out the Drinks section!
Bela Kafa / White Coffee
Cuisine: Balkan1
servings2
minutes2
minutesA childhood favorite, and with no worries that you’ll grow a tail!
Ingredients
1 cup (236 ml) whole cow’s milk (or dairy alternative)
1/2 cup (118 ml) prepared Turkish coffee
Sugar, to taste
Directions
- In a small saucepan or lonče za kafu, heat the milk and add sugar to taste. Heat the milk until just beginning to boil. Remove from heat.
- In your cup add your prepared Turkish coffee, then top off with the sweet milk.
- Stir, taste, and adjust for sweetness.
- Enjoy hot with your favorite pastry or on its own.
Notes
- The amount of coffee you use is up to you, the more coffee you use the stronger (and darker) it will be.
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