The 1901 Cookbook Archive
No. 3505 — Coffee from Ordinary Beans
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 3505 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
The author describes coffee made from common beans as healthful and as helping with dropsy, a historical medical claim.
Choose the smallest variety of beans, boil in water for about ten minutes and drain once the water cools. Rinse again, dry in a gently heated oven and roast like coffee.
Because the dried beans are hard, crush them first in a mortar to avoid damaging the coffee grinder. Brew as ordinary coffee, optionally adding real coffee for flavour.
Historical editorial note: The claim that bean coffee treats dropsy (oedema) is not medically established. This is a historical recipe, not treatment advice.
Original source: Read Russian recipe No. 3505. Historical quantities and terminology are retained. See the measurements guide. Period preparation and storage methods are not modern safety guidance.