Tamarind Paste is a homemade condiment that delivers a unique sour and tangy flavor to various dishes. Essential in Indian, Thai, and Chinese cooking, it keeps well in the fridge for up to two months. Use it to enhance curries, stir-fries, soups, candies, and drinks.
Start by taking the whole tamarind pods and peel off the shells, discarding any fibrous threads. If you're using seedless tamarind, you can skip this initial step. Place the de-shelled fruit into a glass bowl.
Cover the tamarind with water and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. For optimal soaking, cover the bowl with a lid.
After soaking, remove the lid and use your fingers to mash the softened tamarind until it becomes thick and pulpy.
Place a strainer over a bowl and press the pulpy tamarind through to separate the pulp from the seeds and fibers.
To ensure maximum extraction, add a bit more water to the pulp during straining.
Once you've strained the tamarind pulp, transfer it to a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir the pulp as it heats up and allow it to come to a gentle boil. Let it boil for about 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat slightly, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the paste to cool down completely. This is crucial for the paste to set properly.
Use or Store
Add your homemade tamarind paste to a variety of Indian, Thai, and Asian dishes to enhance their flavors. To maintain its freshness, store the paste in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Tamarind Paste:
Choose Fresh Tamarind: For the best flavor, opt for fresh tamarind with shells, as it’s less likely to contain impurities. This type is ideal for making homemade paste.
Opt for Packaged if Necessary: If you can’t find fresh tamarind, pre-packaged, shell-free tamarind is a convenient alternative.
Store-Bought Paste for Convenience: If you're short on time, you can find various brands of ready-made tamarind paste at your local Asian or Indian grocery store.
Have Substitutes Ready: If you run out of tamarind paste, check the suggested substitutes list in the post to keep your dishes flavorful.
Adjust Consistency: Depending on the dish you are preparing, you may want the paste to be thicker or thinner. Adjust the consistency by controlling the amount of water used during preparation. Less water makes it thicker, while more water makes it thinner.
Health Benefits: Remember that tamarind is not just flavorful but also offers several health benefits, such as aiding digestion and being rich in vitamins. Include it in your diet to take advantage of these benefits.
Shopping Tip: You can find tamarind paste at most Asian and Indian grocery stores or purchase it online. If you're interested in making your own, look for whole tamarind pods or seedless tamarind blocks, which are usually available at these specialty stores.