Tamarind Balls (Pulp Method)

Jun 06, 2023June 6, 20230 3

Tangy Tamarind Balls recipe with an optional spicy kick

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

35 min

Cook

15 min

Ready In

3 hours 50 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	4 cups tamarind pulp , shelled
	1 tablespoon baking soda
	1 teaspoon salt
	1/2 cup boiling water
	4 cups granulated sugar
	1/2 teaspoon scotch bonnet peppers ( optional ) or 1/2 teaspoon habanero pepper , minced ( optional )
	black pepper , to taste ( optional )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

113

Sugar

23g

Fat

Tamarind balls are a popular candy in the Caribbean, specifically Trinidad and Tobago. They are made using the tamarind plant, which is native to Africa but is commonly grown in tropical regions. The tangy and sweet taste of the tamarind is complemented with just the right amount of sugar. This recipe also adds an optional spicy kick to it by using scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, which are famous for their heat. Tamarind balls were traditionally sold by street vendors and were enjoyed as a snack or dessert. They are still popular today, and this recipe provides an easy way to prepare them at home.

Instructions

1.	Remove the shells from the tamarind and place it in a bowl.
2.	Add baking soda and salt to the tamarind, mix well and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3.	After 30 minutes, add boiling water to the tamarind and mix it well.
4.	Strain this tamarind mixture through a sieve.
5.	Now, add sugar to a saucepan and let it melt completely over medium heat. Stir well to avoid any lumps.
6.	Add tamarind pulp to the pan and stir well
7.	Keep stirring over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture is well combined and leaves the sides of the pan.
8.	Once done, add scotch bonnet or habanero pepper and black pepper to the mixture and mix well until fully combined.
9.	Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.
10.	Using greased hands, make small balls with the mixture while still warm.
11.	Let the balls dry for 2-3 hours, they will turn slightly hard and will be easier to handle.
12.	Once the balls have dried up, store them in an airtight container.
13.

PROS

Tamarind balls are an easy-to-make, tangy, and sweet treat.

They are a great snack or dessert that can be enjoyed on-the-go or shared with friends and family.

CONS

These tamarind balls are high in sugar, and can be sticky and messy to make.

Please be cautious while handling the hot tamarind mixture.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Tamarind pulp contains antioxidants and has been known to regulate blood sugar levels while improving digestion.
The habanero or scotch bonnet peppers can boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory properties. However, please use them cautiously as they can be very spicy.