Coffee lovers around the world know that a cup of freshly brewed coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a ritual, a moment of comfort, and a catalyst for productivity. But what elevates this daily indulgence to a delightful experience is the perfect snack to accompany it. Whether you're savouring a quiet morning brew or gathering with friends for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, the right snack can complement the rich flavours of your coffee and enhance the overall enjoyment. 


In this regard, Avni Biyani, who is the Co-Founder, Sorrentina said, "While coffee is definitely very personal, nothing beats the boldness of a dark-roasted espresso; something you'll find people all over Italy drinking every morning. Coffee can be paired with a number of delectable treats. In the morning, we might love pairing our morning brew with a Chocolate Chip Biscotti, while late in the day, we might want a bite of Tiramisu; soaked in copious amounts of a dark roasted americano."


Additionally, Anjan Islam, who is the Culinary Head, at Curefoods said, "It is said that a hot or cold brewed black coffee is the healthiest version which effectively has zero calories, carbs, and no fat."


Here are some delectable, healthy options to pair up with your favourite version of coffee suggested by him:



  • For a mouth-watering breakfast experience, you can always go for a fruit oatmeal with a hot or cold coffee. 

  • Indian snacks and nibbles make a perfect combination with a hot cup of strong-filter coffee. 

  • Consuming almonds, groundnuts, walnuts, or pecans can add a delightful crunch to your coffee break. Roasted, candied or masala-coated nuts provide a sweet and salty balance.

  • Rich brownies and cakes, especially, pair extremely well with coffee making it a perfect post-meal treat! 

  • The bitterness of the dark chocolate harmonizes with the coffee's flavour, creating a delightful contrast of independently complex taste. 


Pairing Pizzas With Coffee:



 



In this regard, Nishant Kedia, who is the VP Categories and Brands at Rebel Foods said, "International Coffee Day is a perfect occasion to combine the harmony of flavours and cultures by pairing pizza with coffee. Just as coffee awakens the world each morning, pizzas with their unique flavours and toppings awakens your taste buds with a symphony of flavours to suit every palate. From Caramelized Onions to Sauteed Spinach Leaves, Exotic Cherry Tomatoes to Feta Cheese, and Italian Basil Pesto Sauce and so much more- pizzas can be a perfect accompaniment to your cup of cold coffee or latte. This union of savoury and aroma is a revelation, creating moments of pure indulgence and connections, bringing people closer one slice at a time."



A few more side dishes that you can prepare at home.


1. Healthy Cookie (By Surbhi Sharma, Chef and Owner, Snowy’s Café in Bir)


Ingredients



  • Almonds- 1/2tbsp

  • Cashew- 1/2tbsp

  • raisins- 1/2tbsp

  • walnut- 1/2tbsp

  • Ripe anana- 1

  • choco chip- 1/2tbsp

  • desiccated coconut- 1 


Method:



  • Chop almonds, cashew and walnut into small pieces. Once done transfer them in a bowl and add raisins and choco chips. Add desiccated coconut and give it a good mix. Grind one ripe banana and add the puree in the bowl and mix all the ingredients. 

  • To make crunchy cookies,

  • Take a small amount of batter in palm, flatten it and transfer on the butter/parchment paper.

  • Preheat the oven at 140 degree Celsius for 5 mins and then bake the cookies for 30 mins.

  • Let it cool down for 10 mins and enjoy.


2. Stuffed Jacket Rechardo Potato (By Vibhav Verma, Corporate Chef, Neemrana's Three Waters - 20th Century, South Goa)


Ingredients:



  • Whole Jacket potato with Skin -  600gm

  • Goan homemade Rechardo Paste – 0.030gm.

  • Kidney Beans –  250gm.

  • Chopped coloured bell peppers – 0.100gm.

  • Chopped garlic – 0.010gm.

  • Tomato Sauce –  0.150gm.

  • Fresh Tomato – 0.100gm.

  • Fresh Coriander chopped –  0.010gm.

  • Chopped green chilli– 0.005gm.

  • Olive Oil – 0.010gm.

  • Salt – 0.005gm.

  • Black Pepper – 0.005gm.

  • Cheddar (red mature) Cheese – 0.010gm


Method:



  • In a pan, add olive oil and cook the homemade rechardo paste.

  • Add garlic, onion, chilli and bell pepper and sweat the above in a slow flame.

  • Add kidney beans and fresh tomato and tomato sauce

  • Add all spices mentioned above.

  • Slit the potato in half and par boil it for 5 mins.

  • Allow the potato to rest for 10 mins.

  • Sprinkle salt and rub some of the richardo paste on the potato and bake for 7 mins at 165 C.

  • Stuff the complete mixture in the potato and seal the stuffing with the cheddar cheese.

  • Bake the potato for another 8-10 mins at 170 C.

  • Serve the stuffed jacket potatoes with Recheado sauce.


3. Simple Banana Bread (By Chef Aditya Sahu)


Ingredients:



  • 3 bananas brown, mashed 

  • 1/3 cup melted butter 

  • 1 cup of choco chips 

  • 1/2- 1 cup sugar depends on how sweet you want it 

  • 1 egg whisked with a fork 

  • 1 tsp vanilla 

  • 1 tsp baking soda 

  • pinch of salt 

  • 1 1/2 cups flour 


Method:



  • Preheat oven to 350 

  • In a bowl, mix all ingredients by hand until well incorporated 

  • Pour into a greased bread pan (approx 9x4x4) 

  • Bake 50 minutes to 1 hour or until browned and toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean (check at about 50 minutes) 

  • Cool on a cooling rack 

  • Serve warm with coffee. 


4. Biscuit (By Aruna Mucherla- Actor & Chef)


Ingredients: 



  • 100 grams whole wheat 

  • 80 grams jaggery 

  • 50 grams wheat bran 

  • 80 grams salted amul butter (Softened at room temperature)

  • 40 grams desicated coconut 

  • 1/4th teaspoon baking soda powder 


Method: 



  • Preheat oven to 150 degrees C 

  • Combine wheat flour, baking powder, jaggery, coconut and wheat bran in bowl, add in the butter and mix until it forms a dough. Add little milk if needed. 

  • Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface; to about 3/4-inch thickness; cut with a biscuit cutter. 

  • Place biscuits on a greased baking tray or tray lined with butter paper. 5. Bake in preheated oven until biscuits are lightly browned for 25 to 30 minutes.


5. Strawberry Shortcake (By Sahil Taneja, Co-Founder and Head Pastry Chef, Conçu)


Ingredients:



  • Flour - 1 ½ cup

  • Castor Sugar - 1 cup + 6 tablespoons

  • Unsalted Butter - ¾ cup

  • Sour Cream - ½ cup

  • Baking Powder - ¼ teaspoon

  • Eggs - 3 large

  • Vanilla Essence - 1 tablespoon

  • Whipped Cream - 1 cup

  • Jam - 4 tablespoons

  • Fresh Strawberries - As per liking


 Method:



  • In a bowl, beat the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy, using a hand whisk or an electric beater. 

  • Add the vanilla, egg and sour cream/ yoghurt in parts until well blended.

  • Sieve flour, baking powder, and salt and add to the mix. 

  • Crease a 9 inch round cake tin and pour the batter in the mould. Bake for 40-50 minutes in a preheated oven at 175°C. 

  • Test the cakes in the center with a toothpick till it comes out clean. Let it cool. 

  • Serve a slice of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream, strawberry jam and fresh cut strawberries.