Spanish Café Con Leche Recipe

28 de September de 2023

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Printed: Sep 27, 2023 by Melissa Haun · This publish could include affiliate hyperlinks ·

In Spain, café con leche reigns supreme. It is a vital a part of each Spanish breakfast and afternoon merienda, and it usually is the ending of a big lunch or dinner instead of dessert. Café con leche is scrumptious in its simplicity, and fortuitously, it is simple to make at residence!

In case you’re in search of extra Spanish sizzling drinks, be certain that to strive my recipes for sizzling wine and Spanish sizzling chocolate.

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Introduction

Actually talking, café con leche is espresso (café) with milk (leche). In case you’re attempting to recreate it at residence, you may suppose you possibly can simply brew up a cup of American filtered espresso and add a splash of two% milk. However you’d be mistaken.

To have the true café con leche expertise, you will have to make use of a shot of espresso. Filter espresso won’t work. Second, the leche is steamed milk, which has its personal distinct taste. In Spain (and all through Europe), most milk is Extremely Excessive-Temperature Pasteurized, which means it is shelf-stable and does not should be refrigerated earlier than opening.

In case you’re used to “contemporary” milk (in all probability Excessive Temperature Quick Time Pasteurized), you might need seen a slight distinction in style. However whether or not you like it or hate it, it makes Spanish café con leche distinctive.

Substances

espresso, milk, and sugar on a white marble countertop.

Questioning what you should make a scrumptious café con leche at residence? Happily, you solely want a handful of quite simple components!

Espresso Beans: For practically 100 years, Spaniards have been having fun with torrefacto beans as a substitute of the upper high quality, higher flavored arabica beans. Torrefacto beans are coated in 15-20% sugar, which burns through the roasting course of, and creates a really robust, burnt, acidic espresso which some individuals love. Be happy to make use of both torrefacto, arabica, or a mezcla (combination) of the 2.
Water: Everytime you’re making espresso, be sure you select chilly or room temperature filtered water for the very best taste.
Milk: All through Spain and the remainder of Europe, shelf-stable Extremely Excessive Temperature Pasteurized milk is commonest, which tastes totally different than contemporary, refrigerated milk. Both one tastes nice!
Sugar: That is optionally available, because the milk often cuts a lot of the bitterness from the espresso. In case you’re brewing torrefacto beans, although, you will nearly actually wish to add some sugar to counteract its acidic, burnt taste.

See recipe card for full info on components and portions.

Variations

Sorts of Espresso Beans: Experiment with torrefacto, arabica, or a mixture of the 2 sorts for various flavors.
Haven’t got an espresso machine? No worries! Use a moka pot (stovetop espresso maker) to brew scrumptious, robust espresso.

Methods to Make

In case you’d wish to see the total components and directions, scroll to the underside of the publish for the printable recipe card.

cup of espresso and a stainless steel jug of milk.

Brew the espresso utilizing an espresso machine or moka pot.
Steam the milk by heating it to 155-165°F (68-73°C) on the stovetop, within the microwave, or with the steam wand on an espresso machine.

pouring the steamed milk into the espresso.

If desired, froth the milk till it is doubled in quantity. You should utilize a handheld milk frother, French press, whisk, or steam wand to froth it.
Slowly pour the milk into the espresso, creating latte artwork if desired.

adding sugar to a cafe con leche and dipping a cookie in it.

Add sugar to style. In case you’re like me, you won’t need any sugar, for the reason that milk cuts the espresso completely.
Serve the café con leche immediately and revel in it with breakfast, a sandwich, or a candy deal with.

Recipe FAQs

Is café con leche simply espresso with milk?

Sure, café con leche is simply espresso with milk, nevertheless it it has to have a 1:1 ratio of milk to espresso. Much less milk than that will make it a cortadito, which is espresso reduce with just a little milk. In fact, you possibly can add sugar to it if you would like!

Why is café con leche so good?

This espresso drink is so good due to its simplicity. The milk completely cuts the bitterness of the espresso and provides a refined sweetness whereas permitting the wealthy aromas and flavors of the espresso to come back by means of. It is the right technique to begin your day!

When ought to I drink café con leche?

In Spain, anytime is an effective time for a café con leche! It is mostly loved at breakfast with pan con tomate and different breakfast favorites, however can also be served as a day pick-me-up or as a substitute for dessert after lunch.

Serve

In Spain, café con leche is acceptable for any time of day. You may have it for breakfast with pan con tomate, a slice of Spanish tortilla, or a sugary pastry, mantecados, or churros. (In case you can dunk it into your drink, even higher!)

Café con leche is often supplied as a substitute for dessert for a three-course menú del día at lunchtime. It is also loved with a bit of cake or a savory sandwich as a day snack. And at last, you may end up sipping on one after a late-night tapas feast earlier than you turn to cocktails.

cafe con leche with a spoon and a dish of cookies.

Retailer

Espresso does not style good when reheated and served later, so be certain that to grind, brew, and serve the espresso immediately. In case you frothed the milk, it would begin to flatten with time because the air bubbles disintegrate.

Professional Suggestions

All through Spain and Europe, shelf-stable, Extremely-Excessive Temperature Pasteurized milk is extra usually used than contemporary, refrigerated milk. This brings a special taste, and is extra genuine.
Attempt utilizing torrefacto espresso for an genuine aptitude. This widespread sort of Spanish espresso beans are coated in about 15% sugar and roasted till the sugar burns. Since their burnt, acidic taste masks the espresso flavors, torrefacto is made out of decrease high quality robusta espresso. Many individuals benefit from the robust, darkish taste of torrefacto espresso, however for those who’re used to arabica beans, you might not prefer it!
Do not wish to use 100% torrefacto beans? Attempt a mezcla (combination) of torrefacto and arabica beans for a lighter style. You too can use 100% arabica beans for a richer taste profile.
Grind the beans your self proper earlier than brewing for the very best taste. If you do not have an espresso machine, use a moka pot (stovetop espresso maker) as a substitute.

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