Tamarind is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can add a unique, tangy flavor to all sorts of dishes. Here are five dishes where tamarind is the star of the show!
1. Tamarind Rice: This flavorful South Indian dish is made with basmati rice, tamarind paste, and a mix of spices including chili powder, mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves. Add boiled peanuts and veggies to make it even more substantial.
2. Tamarind Chicken: This popular Indian dish combines chicken in a tangy tomato-tamarind sauce with a mix of spices including garam masala, ginger and garlic paste. Serve over steamed basmati rice to soak up all the delicious flavors.
3. Tamarind Fish Curry: A Southeast Asian classic, this Indian-style curry combines fish fillets cooked in a spiced tamarind gravy along with onion, garlic, tomatoes and a variety of spices. Serve with steamed rice or Indian flatbreads.
4. Tamarind Prawns: This zesty dish combines juicy prawns cooked in a tamarind sauce along with ginger, garlic, chilli powder and whole coriander seeds to bring out the flavor of the tamarind. Serve with steamed basmati rice and a side of naan to mop up the sauce.
5. Tamarind Chutney: This tangy condiment is a staple in Indian cuisine and mixes tamarind paste, jaggery (unrefined sugar), chilli powder, cumin and other spices to create a delicious flavor. Serve with idlis, dosas, or as an accompaniment for sandwiches.