Tamarindo Candy
User Reviews
5
Tamarindo Candy
Description
The Tamarindo Candy recipe starts by soaking peeled tamarind pods in hot water to soften them, then chopping and removing some fibers but retaining the seeds to help structural integrity. The tamarind is combined with sugar, chili lime seasoning, and cornstarch to create a sticky paste. After chilling the mixture, it is rolled into balls by hand, using damp hands to keep the paste from sticking. The balls are then coated with either sugar or chili lime powder for sweetness or a spicy kick, respectively. The candy balances the tartness of tamarind with sweetness and a hint of heat from the seasoning.
The texture is chewy with some fibrous bits from the tamarind, giving it a rustic, homemade feel. The seeds inside the balls remain as a natural part of the candy, adding to its traditional preparation. The coating adds an external crunch and balances the sticky interior.
This candy is enjoyed as a sweet and tangy treat with a spicy option and can be made in batches for sharing or gift-giving. It is a handcrafted sweet that highlights tamarind’s unique flavor profile.
Coating the balls in sugar should be done using spoons rather than hands to prevent melting the sugar from hand warmth. Small adjustments in removing fibers are acceptable without compromising the candy's texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound tamarind pods Skin removed with seeds in.
- 1 cup water hot, for hydrating tamarinds
- 16 ounces white sugar
- 2 Tbsp. chili lime seasoning or chili powder like tajin
- 4 Tbsp. cornstarch
- sugar extra, to coat balls
- chili powder extra, to coat balls
Instructions
- In a large bowl, place the peeled tamarinds and add the hot water. You only want enough water to coat the fruit and start the softening process.
- Soak the tamarind pods for about 20 minutes but stir them often to ensure they get coated evenly.
- Prior to adding all of the ingredients, cut the tamarinds in chunks (with your hands) and remove as many of the fiber (veins) as you can. Don't worry if not all of them are removed...it's perfectly normal to find them in tamarind candy. (See note #1)
- With a spatula or spoon, incorporate all of the ingredients together until a paste is formed.
- Place the tamarind paste in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to let it rest.
Form the balls
- To form the balls, dampen your hands with water so that the paste does not stick to your hands. Roll the paste in your hands until a ball is formed.
- For sweet candy roll the balls in sugar with two spoons. (See note #2)
- Follow the same steps for rolling them in the chili lime powder.
- Store in a sealed container up to 1 month. Enjoy!
Notes
- Keep the tamarind seeds inside the candy balls as they help maintain their shape.
- When rolling and coating the candy balls in sugar, avoid using your hands to prevent melting the sugar due to heat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24balls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 64 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1ball | |
| Calories | 64kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Sodium | 75mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 95mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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