This Tamarind Juice is tangy, slightly sweet, and incredibly refreshing. Made with real tamarind pulp and natural sweeteners, it’s a popular drink across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean — perfect for digestion, hydration, or just sipping on a hot day.
Yields: Approximately 4-5 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Soak time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
🌟 Why You’ll Love It:
- Naturally sweet and sour
- Great for digestion and hydration
- Vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie
- Easy to batch and store in the fridge
- A flavorful alternative to sugary sodas
Ingredients:
- 1 cup tamarind pulp (seedless or with seeds, adjust water accordingly)
- 4 cups water (plus more for soaking)
- ½ cup jaggery (adjust to taste, grated or chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon black salt (kala namak) (optional, for flavor)
- Pinch of cardamom powder (optional, for aroma)
- Ice cubes, for serving
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Saucepan
- Strainer or fine-mesh sieve
- Spatula or spoon
- Serving glasses
Step 1: Soak the Tamarind Pulp
Place the tamarind pulp in a large bowl. Pour about 2 cups of warm water over it, ensuring the pulp is fully submerged. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes to soften and release its flavor.
Step 2: Extract Tamarind Liquid
Once soaked, use your hands to mash the tamarind pulp thoroughly in the water. This will help separate the pulp from the seeds and fibers.
Step 3: Strain the Tamarind Mixture
Place a strainer or a fine-mesh sieve over a saucepan. Pour the mashed tamarind mixture through the strainer, pressing down on the pulp with a spatula or the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the remaining seeds and fibers.
Step 4: Add Jaggery and Spices
Add the grated or chopped jaggery to the strained tamarind liquid in the saucepan. If using, also add the black salt and cardamom powder.
Step 5: Heat and Dissolve Jaggery
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the jaggery is completely dissolved in the tamarind liquid. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Cool the Juice
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the tamarind juice cool completely to room temperature.
Step 7: Add Remaining Water
Once cooled, add the remaining 2 cups of cold water to the tamarind concentrate and stir well. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more jaggery if needed. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more water if you prefer a thinner juice.
Step 8: Serve
Pour the chilled tamarind juice into serving glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish with a mint sprig or a lemon slice, if desired.
Tips:
- For a stronger tamarind flavor, use less water initially for soaking.
- You can store the tamarind concentrate (before adding the final 2 cups of water) in the refrigerator for up to a week. Dilute with water just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of jaggery according to your preference for sweetness and the tartness of the tamarind.
- For a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of ginger powder or a small piece of fresh ginger while heating the juice.
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Seed hack: Freeze tamarind pods for 10 mins to easily peel.
✔ Spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
✔ Fizzy twist: Top with club soda before serving.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Mexican-style: Rim glasses with Tajín + chili powder.
- Thai-inspired: Add a splash of coconut milk.
- Detox boost: Stir in grated ginger while simmering.
📊 Nutrition (Per Cup)
Calories: ~80 | Carbs: 21g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g (natural)
Enjoy the refreshing Tamarind Juice with Jaggery!
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