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Agua De Tamarindo Recipe

Escape to the tropics with this authentic Agua de Tamarindo recipe! Adapted from Rick Bayless's "Authentic Mexican," this vibrant drink highlights the sweet and tangy flavor of tamarind pods. Popular throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, and Africa, this refreshing beverage is perfect for a hot day. Learn how to easily extract the tamarind pulp and create a perfectly balanced, subtly sweet and tart drink. This simple recipe is ready in under 10 minutes, plus steeping time.

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Calories 106.3 kcal
Protein 0g
Rating 4.6 (5 Reviews)
Agua De Tamarindo

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Agua De Tamarindo

  • 1 cup pitted tamarind pods
  • Granulated Sugar

How to Make Agua De Tamarindo

  1. Bring 1 quart (4 cups) of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add 1 cup of pitted tamarind pods and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir continuously for 1 minute while boiling.
  2. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a glass or stainless steel bowl.
  3. Steep for 1-2.5 hours, depending on the freshness of your tamarind pods (1 hour for very fresh, 2.5 hours for older pods).
  4. Gently break up the softened tamarind pods using a spoon or your hands to release the pulp and separate it from the seeds.
  5. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing firmly on the pod solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
  6. Taste the Agua de Tamarindo and adjust sweetness and tartness as needed. Add more water for a less intense flavor, or more sugar if it needs more sweetness.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Stir well before serving and enjoy your refreshing homemade Agua de Tamarindo!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

109g

Fat

0g

Carbs

9g

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15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation North American Low Protein Healthy 5 Ingredients Or Less Beverages Fruit Mexican Easy Low Fat Dietary Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low In Something