A decent French press, or cafetière, is an essential kitchen gadget for coffee lovers. This nifty straining device enables us to prepare a freshly brewed cup of coffee at home in minutes, without the need for a fancy coffee machine.
Unbeknown to many, however, the trusty old French press has many alternative uses beyond brewing coffee (or even French press tea), with the straining function lending itself well to preparing other kinds of dishes and beverages.
Here are 12 things you probably didn’t realise you can do with your French press or cafetière.
How to use a French press or cafetière to prepare everyday dishes and beverages
Making a simple broth or stock
One of the best uses for a French press, beyond brewing coffee, is in making homemade broth or stock.
If you can’t find a sieve or colander to use in draining broth or stock, a French press can make for a handy substitute. Simply place some spices, aromatics and herbs into the carafe (like crushed garlic, sliced ginger, rosemary, or whatever you prefer), pour hot water in, stir and place the lid onto the French press.
Allow to step for 5-8 minutes, before plunging the press downwards and draining your broth or stock into a pot.
Frothing milk
Not only can your French press enable you to brew a rich cup of coffee, but it can also help you to froth up your milk, adding a creamy layer to your regular cup of Joe.
While a milk frothing wand or jug is ideal for this, if you don’t have one to hand, a French press can be a convenient option instead.
Whipped cream
Similarly, a French press can also be used to whip cream, forming the staple component of many desserts.
If you don’t have a whisk to hand, reach for your French press instead. Fill it with heavy whipping cream, and plunge it up and down repeatedly. Eventually, you should end up with a whipped effect.
Squeezing juices
When you’re searching in the depths of your cutlery drawer for a squeezer to juice small and/or soft fruits with, a French press can save the day.
Chop the fruit into bitesize pieces, place it into the French Press, and push the plunger down to juice it.
Strained grains
Did you know you can strain grains, like quinoa, in your French press or cafetière?
Put the grains into the press, swirling them with water to clean them. Next, press the plunger down and drain the water to have fresh, clean grains to prepare your meal with.
Masala chai tea
Masala chai tea is a traditional Indian recipe, adopted by tea lovers worldwide in recent years. I have fond memories of drinking chai tea in the back of tuk-tuks and at roadside kitchens, while travelling in India a few years ago.
To make masala chai tea at home, start by simmering the necessary spices (clove, cinnamon, ginger etc) in a little water. Afterwards, put some fresh black tea leaves in the press and and pour in the boiling water, letting the leaves steep for two to three minutes. To finish, press the plunger down to strain the tea.
Draining excess water
Need to drain some freshly cooked veg, yet don’t have a sieve or colander in your kitchen?
You can drain excess water from freshly cut and washed, or cooked vegetables, using a French press. Just put the wet vegetables into the carafe and press the plunger down, before pouring out the water.
Making flavoured oil
If you enjoy using flavoured oil in your home cooking, a French press can be a blessing. In just a few simple steps, you can infuse your own oils at home by adding your favourite spices into the carafe, followed by your preferred oil.
Let the mixture sit, occasionally pressing the plunger down. This way, the spices will infuse throughout the oil. As the flavour intensifies and reaches the desired taste, press the plunger again for a final time, draining the flavoured oil into a container.
Just be sure to clean your French press thoroughly after use, to remove any greasy, oily residue.
Infusing water
As well as preparing flavoured oils, you can also use your French press or cafetière to infuse water,
Place your favourite dried fruits or herbs into the press, add mineral water, and refrigerate overnight. As you remove it from the fridge the following day, press the plunger down and pour the water into a jug or glass, for freshly made flavoured water.
Do you ever use a French press or cafetière for anything besides brewing coffee?