Spicy Tamarind Candy
Spicy Tamarind candy is a popular treat known for its sweet and tangy flavor. It’s relatively simple to make at home. Here I teach you how to make this spicy mexican candy, a basic recipe from homemade tamarind.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup tamarind pulp (from tamarind pods or tamarind paste)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup water
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- Chili powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tamarind: If you’re using tamarind pods, start by breaking open the pods and removing the fibrous strings and seeds. You want to extract the pulp. You can also use tamarind paste, which is readily available in most grocery stores. Additionally, it provides a convenient alternative for those looking to streamline the preparation process.
- Soften the Tamarind: Place the tamarind pulp or paste in a bowl. Pour the water over it and let it soak for about 30 minutes. This will soften the tamarind and make it easier to work with.
- Extract the Tamarind Concentrate: After soaking, use your hands or a spoon to mash the tamarind and water mixture. Remove any seeds and fibers, leaving you with a smooth tamarind concentrate.
- Cook the Tamarind: In a saucepan, combine the tamarind concentrate and sugar. Add a pinch of salt if desired. Cook the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring continuously.
- Stir and Simmer: Continue stirring the mixture as it cooks. The sugar will dissolve, and the mixture will thicken. This can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.
- Check Consistency: To check if it’s ready, drop a small amount of the mixture into a bowl of cold water. It should form a soft ball. This is known as the “soft-ball stage” in candy making.
- Form Candy Shapes: Once you reach the soft-ball stage, remove the mixture from heat. Subsequently, allow it to cool for a few minutes until you can handle it comfortably. Then, grease your hands and start shaping the tamarind candy into small balls, cubes, or any desired shape. In addition, let your creativity flow as you mold the candy into the perfect form.
- Let It Cool: Place the formed tamarind candies on a tray lined with parchment paper or greased wax paper. Let them cool and harden for a few hours.
- Store and Enjoy: Once the candies have cooled and solidified, you can store them in an airtight container. Lastly , enjoy the sweet and tangy tamarind candies whenever you like.
Recommendations
Feel free to adjust the sugar and other flavorings to your taste. Tamarind candy can be made with varying levels of sweetness and spiciness, depending on your preference. And finally this is how you easily you learn how to make spicy Mexican Candy.