Kaapi Nirvana

Coffee is the one companion which accompanies you through all circumstances in life—sad times, happy times, hardships and trials—a cuppa Joe is all you need to calm your nerves with its strong and acidic tang, running through your throat with its steaming goodness, sometimes enjoyed scalding hot, or mildly cold. However it may be, coffee is the ultimate beverage to get you up and running.

I woke up this morning thinking of only one thing—the bodum in which I prepare this indulgence. The Bodum, or French Press, as it is commonly known, is a recently pursued tradition. My mother, due to whom I was hooked onto the coffee train, earlier used the French press, and now has gradually moved onto the automatic coffeemaker. She was the one who first taught me how to use the simple mechanical machine.

I got out of bed in a dreary state, longing to smell the caffeine goodness that waited for me in the kitchen. “You drink too much coffee. It isn’t good for growing children like you,” states my grandmother, eyeing the coffee mixture suspiciously. “At least add some more milk and sugar,” she insisted. I brushed her off, replying that coffee is best when black, and that she should be thankful I like it with a hint of steamed milk and medium sugar. “That’s enough for me,” I say, and she gives up, knowing that it’s not going to work. After all, there’s a reason it’s used to cure the worst of hangovers. If it were up to me, I’d drink only black. But of course, even if you’re sixteen, black coffee is a banned substance in this household. Mother buys a special brew of blended coffee, a fusion of premium plantation beans and a rare variety called the Mysore Nuggets, which have an earthy texture, all the while with a round taste, enveloping your tastebuds in rich wholesome goodness. They have depth to their flavor, which is hard to describe, well-paired with the robust and upfront taste of premium plantation beans.

I trudged to the kitchen, put some water to the boil, and waited. The best thing about the plunger? It only takes 2-3 minutes to brew the grounds, provided the water is hot enough. In this case, around 205 degrees Celsius. I put one and a half teaspoon of coffee grounds in the plunger, add the boiling water, put on the filter attached lid, and wait. I wait for what seems to be the longest three minutes of my life.

Finally, the moment of nirvana arrived. I pressed the filter cap all the way down to the base, poured out the silky liquid into my favorite mug, which proclaims, “The blue sky, the sun shining, birds singing, clouds drifting—a perfect day. If only my cup of coffee lasted a little longer.” I put a tiny teaspoon of sugar, and a swirl of milk, give it a stir, and voila! Nirvana at your fingertips.

I breathe in the steaming aroma, look at it lovingly swirling in my cup, and take a sip. Aah, I sigh. All is well with the world.

-Rhea Sugwekar.

Saturday, 10^th May, 2012.