Tamarind

What is Tamarind

[TAM-uh-rihnd]

Tamarind, also known as Indian date , the tamarind is the fruit of a tall shade tree native to Asia and northern Africa and widely grown in India. In Spanish the term is tamarindo.

Whole tamarind pods are used for it's tangy, sour flavor in Mexico's Agua de Tamarindo and it's also used to flavor soups and stews. Additionally it is used in Asian and Indian cuisine. Available in whole pods or tamarind paste. (Nutrition information is for raw tamarind pulp)

Substitute for Tamarind

To replace 2 tablespoons tamarind paste soaked in 3/4 cup hot water and strained:
Mix 1/3 cup lime juice with 1/3 cup water, OR
Amchur (amchoor) mango powder

Equivalents

50ml = 1/4 cup= 2lrg or 4 small pods

Exotic Fruits

Buy and Store

Tamarind pods can be purchased in most Mexican grocery stores, Asian and Indian markets as well as health food stores. (see where to buy, below) If the pod is fresh the bark shell will separate if you bend the pod in half. Older pods can be soaked hit hot water before peeling. It is best to purchase only the amount you. Unused pods can be stored in cool area in a plastic zip style bag.

Other Forms Of Tamarind

Tamarind is also commonly sold in blocks or jars which are simply peeled pods and pulp, compressed.

Tamarind Recipes

Pork Ribs With Tamarind Barbecue Sauce - Pork ribs are grilled with a tangy sauce made with tamarind, onion, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce and cider vinegar.

Agua de Tamarindo - A non-alcoholic drink from Mexico made tamarind pods. Recipe from Rick Bayless "Authentic Mexican".

Tamarind Margarita - This tart, refreshing drink is a good prelude to a spicy Mexican or Indian meal.

Tamarind Syrup - Use this syrup over poached fruit