Essentials For Indian Cuisine: Tamarind Concentrate
When it comes to Indian cuisine there are a lot of flavors you don’t want to miss out on. Learning about the essentials truly is essential in this culture. One must-have ingredient we are going to talk about today is Tamarind, specifically tamarind concentrate, because that’s our favorite way to get this amazing ingredient into our dishes. It is time to make you an expert!
What is Tamarind?
Tamarind tree is a hardwood tree native to Africa that grows edible fruit. A Tamarind is the fruit grown off of that tree also translated to, “Indian Date.” You’ll instantly either love it or hate it. The taste is sweet yet sour, and very potent. At first glance you could mistake Tamarind as a bean, spice or nut but nope, it is simply a fruit (or legume).
Health Benefits of Tamarind:
Tamarind is a tropical fruit filled with health benefits. The micronutrients in tamarind have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that make it amazing for the body.
These agents can help to protect against heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Tamarind’s seed extract can even help lower your blood sugar while the pulp extract can help you lose body weight or get rid of liver disease.
It’s a great food to have around, especially during cold and flu season. Tamarind concentrate, combined with turmeric, is an amazing remedy for a fever or cold and a variety of infections.
- Have a fever? Combine tamarind concentrate, cloves, sugar, milk and cardamom to ease it.
- Have nasal or chest congestion? Make yourself a bowl of hot soup using concentrated tamarind extract, freshly ground black pepper, and salt to relieve yourself.
But is it healthy? Of course it is! But, be careful on how much you eat, Tamarind is high in sugar carbs.
Why is it essential?
India is the number one producer of tamarind today. (Which makes sense, since tamarind is used in many of our dishes.) You can use it as a marinade to tenderize meat, or you can use it to flavor curry, chutney or bean dishes.
Tamarind’s pucker taste compliments many other essential Indian spices or flavors. Such as: ginger, coconut, chiles, lime, and cinnamon.
You can purchase tamarind as a pod, dried block or concentrated in a jar. Pods can be hard to find so concentrated is more convenient, but over all dried blocks have the most pungent flavor. No matter which way you buy it, your tastebuds will thank you!
Fun fact: Worcestershire sauce is made using Tamarind.
Advantages of cooking with Tamarind:
Tamarind is a great flavoring ingredient that is sure to lift any dish. It adds a lemony, sweet-sour taste that is so unique. Plus, the list of health benefits can go on and on. Why not cook with something that tastes amazing and makes you feel good too?
Get started on your new food journey and purchase our concentrated Tamarind puree today! Sambar Kitchen helps to make your dishes truly unforgettable.
