Sukku Malli Coffee Recipe | Traditional Sukku Kaapi With Homemade Powder

Sukku Malli Coffee Recipe, widely known as Sukku Coffee or Sukku Kaapi, is a traditional drink that has been made in many South Indian homes for years. It is simple, homemade, and made with everyday ingredients like dry ginger, coriander seeds, pepper, and jaggery.

Growing up, I used to see this drink made often at home, especially during rainy days or when the weather became cold. My grandmother would roast coriander seeds and pepper in a pan, crush dry ginger by hand, and make this coffee fresh in the kitchen. The smell itself was enough to know Sukku Malli Coffee was being prepared.

What I always liked about this recipe is that nothing was measured perfectly. Everything was made from experience. Some days the drink would be stronger with more pepper, and some days she would add extra jaggery to make it slightly sweeter. It was one of those comforting homemade drinks that everyone in the house enjoyed hot.

Even now, I still make this Sukku Malli Coffee the same way at home. It feels warm, earthy, slightly spicy, and very comforting to drink in the morning or evening. If you enjoy traditional South Indian drinks made with simple ingredients, this recipe is definitely worth trying.

What Is Sukku Malli Coffee?

Sukku Malli Coffee is a traditional South Indian drink made by boiling homemade spice powder in water and sweetening it with jaggery. It is usually prepared using dry ginger, coriander seeds, pepper, cumin, and cardamom.

Even though it is called coffee, there is no regular coffee added to the drink. The flavor mainly comes from the roasted spices, especially dry ginger and coriander seeds.

In many Tamil homes, Sukku Malli Coffee has been made for years as a simple homemade drink, especially during cold weather or rainy days. Some people prepare the powder fresh, while others store it in jars for everyday use.

This drink is known by different names in different places:

• Sukku Malli Coffee or Sukku Malli Kaapi in Tamil Nadu
• Chukku Kaapi or Chukku Coffee in Kerala
• Dry Ginger Coffee in English
• Shunti Coffee in Karnataka

The taste is warm, slightly spicy, and very different from regular tea or coffee.

Why You Will Love This Sukku Malli Coffee Recipe

• Made with simple ingredients easily available at home
• No tea powder or coffee added
• The homemade powder can be stored and used anytime
• Comes together quickly with very little preparation
• Tastes warm, spicy, and comforting when served hot
• Perfect to make during rainy days or cold weather
• You can adjust the pepper and jaggery based on your taste
• A herbal beverage that feels simple and comforting

Ingredients For Sukku Malli Powder Recipe

• 100 grams dry ginger (sukku)
• 50 grams coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 4 cardamom pods

How To Make Sukku Malli Powder (step by step)

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ginger

Always peel the dry ginger skin and break it into smaller pieces for easy grinding.

Step 2: Crush the Dry Ginger

Using a stone mortar and pestle or mixer grinder , crush the dry ginger into smaller rough pieces.

Step 3: Roast the Coriander Seeds

Dry roast the coriander seeds on low flame until they turn aromatic and slightly golden.

Step 4: Roast the Spices

Add black pepper and cardamom pods to the pan and roast for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Dry Ginger

Switch off the flame and add the crushed dry ginger pieces to the warm pan and roast for 2minutes and add along with roasted coriander seeds , pepper and cardamom in a plate .

Step 6: Cool and Grind

Allow everything to cool completely, then transfer to a mixer jar and grind into a fine powder.

Step 7: Store the Powder

• Store the homemade Sukku Malli Powder in a clean airtight container and use whenever needed.
• This homemade powder stays fresh for weeks when stored properly and can be quickly used to prepare warm Sukku Malli Coffee anytime.

Ingredients For Sukku Malli Coffee Recipe

• 200 ml water (about 1 cup)
• 1.5 to 2 teaspoons sukku malli powder
• 1.5 to 2 tablespoons palm jaggery (karupatti) or regular jaggery
• 4 to 5 fresh tulsi (holy basil) leaves — optional but recommended

How To Make Sukku Malli Coffee Recipe (Step By Step)

Step 1: Boil the Water

Pour 200 ml of water into a small saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil on medium heat.

Step 2: Add the Sukku Malli Powder

Add 1.5 teaspoons of sukku malli powder to the boiling water for a warm and flavorful herbal drink.

Step 3: Add Palm Jaggery

Add palm jaggery (karupatti) and reduce the flame to low so it melts evenly into the drink.

Step 4: Simmer the Coffee

Let the sukku malli coffee simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the color turns deep golden brown and aromatic.

Step 5: Strain the Drink

Switch off the flame and strain the coffee through a fine metal sieve into a serving cup.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve the Sukku Malli Coffee immediately while hot for the best taste and aroma.

Sukku Malli Coffee Variations

Sukku Coffee With Milk

• If you like a milk version, you can add milk to the coffee. First boil the sukku malli powder in water for 5 minutes. Then pour in a little boiled milk (1/4 cup) and boil again for 2 to 3 minutes. Add jaggery, strain, and drink hot.
• I usually make this version on rainy mornings because it feels more comforting and filling.

Chukku Kaapi With Instant Coffee Powder

• Some people also add a little instant coffee powder to this drink. Just add half teaspoon coffee powder while boiling the spices.
• This version tastes slightly closer to regular coffee but still has the warm sukku flavor.

Tips For The Best Sukku Malli Kaapi

• Always roast the ingredients on low flame. High heat can burn the coriander seeds quickly and make the coffee taste bitter.
• Palm jaggery (karupatti) gives the drink a more traditional taste, but regular jaggery also works well.
• Let the roasted ingredients cool fully before grinding. If they are still warm, moisture can form inside the mixer jar.
• Do not boil the coffee for too long. Around 5 to 7 minutes is enough to get a nice flavor.
• Use a fine strainer while filtering so the powder does not settle at the bottom of the cup.
• Sukku Malli Coffee tastes best when served hot, fresh off the stove.

Sukku Malli Coffee | Chukku Kaapi | Dry Ginger Coffee

Sukku Malli Coffee is a traditional South Indian herbal drink made with dry ginger, coriander seeds, pepper, and jaggery. This homemade drink is warm, comforting, and perfect for rainy evenings or cold mornings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2 Cup

Course: Beverage, health drink

Cuisine: south indian, Tamil Nadu

Calories: 45

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

To Make Sukku Malli Powder

• 100 grams dry ginger sukku
• 50 grams coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 4 cardamom pods

To Make Sukku Malli Coffee

• 200 ml water
• 1.5 teaspoons Sukku Malli powder
• 2 tablespoons country jaggery/ Palm Jaggery

Equipment

• pan
• mixer grinder
• Stone mortar (optional)
• Strainer

Method

 

How to make Sukku Malli Powder

1. Peel the dry ginger and crush it into a coarse powder using a stone mortar or mixer jar. Keep aside.
2. Heat a pan and add coriander seeds. Roast on low flame until slightly aromatic and the color changes lightly.
3. Add black pepper and cardamom pods. Roast for about 2 to 3 minutes on low flame.
4. Turn off the flame and add the crushed dry ginger powder to the hot pan. Mix gently for 1 to 2 minutes using the remaining heat.
5. Let everything cool completely.
6. Transfer the roasted ingredients to a mixer jar and grind into a powder.
7. Store the powder in an airtight container.

How to make a Sukku Malli Coffee

1. Heat water in a pan.
2. Add 1.5 teaspoons of Sukku Malli powder.
3. Add country jaggery and mix well.
4. Let the mixture boil for a 5 minutes until the flavors blend well and turn off the flame .
5. Filter the coffee using a strainer.
6. Serve hot.

Notes

Store the homemade Sukku Malli powder in an airtight jar for longer freshness.

• The drink tastes best when served hot.
• Adjust pepper based on your spice preference.
• Palm jaggery can also be used instead of country jaggery.

You may also like this
If you enjoy herbal beverage and comforting recipes, you can also try our Pepper Garlic Rasam
During rainy days or seasonal changes, many readers also enjoy pairing this drink with our nourishing Murungai Keerai Soup.
Looking for more traditional South Indian recipes made with everyday ingredients? You may also like this comforting Nellikai Rasam Recipe.
If you enjoy healthy traditional recipes from South Indian kitchens, don’t miss our wholesome Kezhvaragu Koozh Recipe.

How To Store Sukku Malli Powder

• Let the roasted mixture cool completely before grinding and storing.
• Store the powder in a clean and dry airtight container.
• Keep the container away from moisture and always use a dry spoon while handling the powder.
• The powder stays fresh for 6 months without any moisture.
• For longer freshness, you can also store it in the refrigerator.
• Making the powder in small batches helps maintain the aroma and flavor better.

Benefits of Sukku Malli Coffee

• Sukku Malli Coffee is a warm homemade drink made with spices traditionally used in South Indian kitchens.
• Many people drink it during rainy days, cold weather, or when they want something warm and comforting.
• Dry ginger and pepper give the drink a naturally warming taste.
• It is commonly consumed at home to support digestion after heavy meals.
• Some people also prefer drinking Sukku Malli Coffee when they have a sore throat or seasonal discomfort.
• Since it does not contain tea powder or regular coffee, it is naturally caffeine-free.
• The drink is also popularly prepared during seasonal changes as part of traditional home remedies.
• In many homes, people believe this drink helps support immunity because of the spices used in it.
• Some families also prepare it during headaches or migraine discomfort because of its warm and soothing nature.
• The homemade powder can be stored and used anytime to quickly prepare a hot drink.

Sukku Malli Coffee is one of those traditional homemade drinks that reflects the simple herbal practices followed in many Indian homes for generations.

Best Time To Drink Sukku Malli Coffee

• Many people prefer drinking Sukku Malli Coffee early in the morning while it is still hot and fresh.
• It can also be enjoyed during rainy evenings or cold weather instead of regular tea or coffee.
• Some people drink it after heavy meals because the warm spices feel comforting.
• During seasonal changes, this drink is commonly prepared at home as a warm herbal beverage.
• Since it does not contain caffeine, some people also prefer having it at night instead of tea or coffee.

FAQs for Sukku Malli Coffee Recipe

If you try this Sukku Malli Coffee Recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and share your experience. I would love to know how your family makes this caffeine-free herbal coffee.

You can also subscribe to our newsletter for more traditional South Indian recipes, healthy drinks, and simple homemade recipes shared straight from the kitchen.

If you make this recipe, tag us on Instagram and share your photos. Seeing your homemade versions always makes me happy.