How to brew coffee with an egg: a Scandinavian tradition

Hello, coffee lovers! Today I’m going to share with you a crazy and unusual way of making coffee that I learned from my grandmother, who was born in Norway. It involves an egg, yes, you read that right, an egg! Don’t worry, it’s not as gross as it sounds, and it actually makes a delicious and smooth cup of joe. Trust me, you’ll love it!

Coffee brewing

So, why would anyone put an egg in their coffee? Well, according to my grandmother, this method was popular in Scandinavia back in the days when coffee was scarce and expensive. People would use an egg to clarify the coffee and remove any bitterness or acidity from the beans. The egg also adds some protein and richness to the brew, making it more satisfying and nutritious.

The process is very simple and easy to follow. Here’s what you need:

  • A large pot
  • A saucepan
  • A fine-mesh strainer
  • A bowl
  • A wooden spoon
  • A measuring cup
  • A coffee grinder
  • A fresh egg
  • Some cold water
  • Some coffee beans (preferably dark roast)

Here’s what you do:

  1. Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency. You’ll need about 1/4 cup of grounds for every 4 cups of water.
  2. Crack your egg and put it in a bowl. Don’t discard the shell, you’ll need it too.
  3. Crush the eggshell with your hands or a spoon and add it to the bowl with the egg.
  4. Whisk the egg and the shell together until well combined.
  5. Add your coffee grounds to the egg mixture and stir well. It will look like a wet and lumpy mess, but don’t worry, that’s normal.
  6. Fill your pot with cold water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
  7. Once the water is boiling, carefully add your egg-coffee mixture and stir well.
  8. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Turn off the heat and pour a cup of cold water over the mixture. This will help the egg and the grounds settle at the bottom of the pot.
  10. Let the coffee sit for a few minutes before straining it into a saucepan or a pitcher.
  11. Enjoy your egg coffee!

You can drink your egg coffee black or add some milk and sugar to taste. It will have a rich and smooth flavor, with no bitterness or acidity. You’ll be surprised by how good it is!

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new today. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try this Scandinavian tradition, let me know how it goes in the comments below. And if you have any other crazy and unusual ways of making coffee, I’d love to hear them too!

Cheers!