In the quest to stay cool over the summer, I look to Mexican culture for refreshment ideas. Aguas frescas tend to be simple, inexpensive, and refreshing. Tamarindo is no exception.
Tamarind is a tart flavor but when sweetened creates an unusual tart/sweet beverage that is quite refreshing and hydrating. It is worth a try if you are experimenting with summer drinks.
Tamarindo gets its flavor from the pod of a tamarind tree. The pod is encased in a woody exterior and has large seeds inside. The key is to get the flavorful paste-like substance inside the pod infused into your water. It is not that difficult actually. You remove the outer layer and place the rest in water. After you simmer the tamarind in water you remove the seeds and strings that remain. It’s a bit fussy but not difficult. A time-saving measure is to buy tamarind paste itself, a product that has the husk, seeds, and strings removed.
This recipe is fairly simple but because of the simmering and cooling, you want to allow time for the different steps in the process. It’s a good project over breakfast for a beverage later in the day.
I have tamarind paste in the fridge that I use occasionally. About how much of the paste would be equivalent? This sounds delicious!
That was about to be my question. Yes?
I LOVE tamarindo! 🙂 This was such a common drink growing up in the Dominican Republic. We also could pick ripe pods straight from the tree (they are sweeter when ripe but still mouth puckering! 🙂 ) Thanks for posting this! 🙂