Tamarind Paste

Prep: 30 min

Ingredients

  • 6-7 tamarind pods
  • 1 cup hot water

Directions

  1. Shell the tamarind pods by cracking and peeling away the outer shell. Remove the veins (the stringy fibers running along the pulp).
  2. Place the shelled pulp in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak for 20-30 minutes until the pulp softens.
  3. Work the pulp with your fingers to break it apart and separate it from the seeds.
  4. Push the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl, pressing firmly with a spoon or spatula to extract as much paste as possible. Discard the seeds and fibers.
  5. Stir the strained paste until smooth. Add a splash of the soaking water if it's too thick.

Notes

  • One batch is enough for one pad Thai
  • Keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months
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