When you think of coffee as an ingredient in a recipe, you probably think of desserts. However, there are many ways to combine the taste of coffee in savory dishes as well. When used intelligently, the bitter aftertaste does not cover up the flavors; rather, it brings them out.
Here are some savory coffee recipes to try: we suggest you try small amounts first, if you like the final effect you can always increase the amount at the next preparation.
Fresh pasta with coffee and goat cheese
You can cook with coffee to add flavor or to decorate a dish, but coffee can be used as an ingredient too. In this case, it is added to the fresh pasta dough. Although it may seem strange to choose such a bitter flavor for a first course, you will see that the cheesy pasta sauce will counterbalance coffee’s aroma splendidly.
Sift the flour for the dough and also add a teaspoon of coffee powder. When you have incorporated the eggs, start working the dough, then add a cup of coffee as well. Prepare it in advance, so that by the time you need to pour it in the mix, it will have already cooled. From here on, follow the classic procedure for preparing fresh pasta.
For the sauce, place some goat cheese in a pan and melt it with milk and cream. Add salt and pepper to your taste until you get a creamy texture. Once the pasta is cooked, toss it in the pan with the sauce you have prepared and add chopped walnuts for an extra crunch.
Coffee sauce for roasts
Roast is already delicious on its own, but if you want to give it a special touch that ensures flavor and tenderness in every bite, you can accompany it with a coffee sauce, which pairs well with all types of meat.
The preparation is very simple: retrieve the cooking juices from the roast, put them in a saucepan and add some coffee and cream. Heat over low heat for a few minutes, until the sauce has thickened. It should have a creamy, velvety consistency.
You can put the sauce directly on the roast or in a bowl to serve on the side. Prepare it just before serving because it needs to be served piping hot.
Coffee as a spice
Love a bit of spice in your food? Here’s how to make a new flavor mix to keep on hand.
Take some ground coffee, mix it with salt and paprika, and store it in a glass jar. It will be your secret ingredient for curing meat before cooking it or for adding an extra kick to breadcrumbs coating. You can also add a sprinkle when cooking particularly sweet vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, or squash. Your tried-and-true recipes will thus have an innovative twist; you’ll decide whether to reveal the secret to your guests or not!
