Having for years roasted peanuts in a microwave, followed by a brief browning in a wok, I extrapolated the same may be valid for roasting coffee beans.
I have had some marverlous brews of coffee in Indonesia, where the beans were roasted in a wok, so wanted to find an easy system that works here without the extravagant, time consuming methods the Indonesians used.
Requirements:
Pyrex covered bowl, 250g Green Coffee beans, Wok with cover (no oil necessary), Powerful extractor fan over cooktop, Preferably cooktop with gas.
Method:
Microwave (assuming 1.2kw microwave on full power) put beans in covered bowl, set time for 5 minutes and START.
You can remove bowl and stir after 4 min and if necessary, increase time till there is the first sign of bean browning; eg any bean slightly brown is the indicator.
Ensure cooktop fan is now switched on. Nearing microwave end time, preheat wok on low (I use largest burner).
Pour beans into wok, stir a few times, cover for 1 minute, stir and so on, until beans have gone through first crack sound and some are dark, others light brown - should take about 5-10 minutes.
Try to keep wok covered except when stirring.
Before beans are fully cooked remove from heat and take outside; remove husks by pouring to and fro wok.
Caution:
Make sure wife is not around while doing this. Even with fan going fire alarms will go and house gets quite smokey: you must have a really good extractor fan, or do the final/gas cook outside.
Do not be tempted to turn hob up high as this will burn some beans and leave others uncooked.
Might pay to remove your fire alarms (if any) from cooking vicinity as they will drive you nuts.
Notes:
Recommended cook temperature in wok is 250c. I used an infrared laser temperature reader and that showed only 150c but the beans cooked more than adequately. Once the cook method is perfected, temperature measuring is irrelevant.
Have just finished my first batch. In a week will taste and compare to my other beans cooked in Popcorn maker (see other thread). I have been finding the latest popcorn maker is too fast making a slightly bitter brew. Unfortunately, when cooking coffee beans the popcorn makers dont last long before clapping out; I am on my 4th unit already.