Tamarind Dressing

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Enjoy the authentic flavors of Thailand with this Thai-style Tamarind Dressing, blending palm sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, and tamarind puree with a kick of chili paste for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

My Introduction to tamarind in Thailand

When I arrived in Thailand in 2018, it felt like stepping into a brand-new culinary universe. Tamarind trees lined the roads, and the abundance of tamarind wood chopping boards at roadside stalls was a clear sign of how deeply this ingredient was woven into Thai food culture.

My first taste of sweet tamarind was, quite simply, a game-changer - unbelievably moreish and perfect as a standalone snack. As I immersed myself in Thai cooking, I realized how tamarind’s sour element beautifully counterbalanced the sweet, salty, bitter, spicy, and pungent flavors that define so many local dishes in Thailand. This balance truly shines in a good Massaman Curry, which soon became one of my favorites!

And that’s just the beginning. I discovered tamarind tea, a wonderfully soothing and digestive-friendly brew that quickly became part of my routine. Living in Thailand not only introduced me to a wealth of vibrant dishes but also showed me just how fundamental tamarind is to the country’s food culture - and now it’s a staple I can’t imagine cooking without.

Nutritional content of tamarind

Let's take a moment to appreciate the health benefits that tamarind brings to the table. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, tamarind offers a host of advantages for your well-being:

Rich in Antioxidants: Tamarind contains potent antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which help combat free radicals and protect your cells from damage.
Digestive Aid: Tamarind is known for its digestive properties, thanks to the presence of dietary fiber and natural laxatives. It can help alleviate constipation, promote regular bowel movements, and improve overall digestion.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory compounds found in tamarind, such as polyphenols, can help reduce inflammation in the body and provide relief from conditions like arthritis and joint pain.
Healthy Heart: Tamarind contains potassium, a mineral known to help lower blood pressure levels. It also has dietary fiber that aids in reducing bad cholesterol levels, thus supporting heart health.
Immune Booster: With its high vitamin C content, tamarind can strengthen your immune system, helping you fight off infections and illnesses.

Reference: WebMD

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How to make tamarind puree?

The best way to buy tamarind is in a block of dried pulp with the seeds. Store-bought bottles of tamarind puree contain lots of sugar and preservatives.

To make fresh tamarind puree

Cut a piece of the tamarind pulp and put it in a bowl
Pour over just enough boiling water to cover (not too much)
Mash well with a fork
Allow to sit and infuse for 10 minutes to get as much pulp from the seeds
Strain the tamarind-infused water and use this in your recipes.

How to make tamarind dressing

Ingredients

60 g Palm sugar
40 ml Lime juice
60 ml Soy sauce
40 ml Tamarind puree
20 g Red chili paste (to taste)

Instructions (Get the full step-by-step method below)

Thinly shave palm sugar and add it to a small saucepan.
Add red chili paste, soy sauce, lime juice, and the freshly made tamarind puree to the saucepan.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Ensure the palm sugar dissolves completely.
Remove from heat and whisk.
Adjust seasoning to your preference - add more lime, tamarind, soy sauce, or chili.
Allow the dressing to cool slightly, then transfer it to a bowl.

Ways to incorporate tamarind dressing into recipes

Let's explore the versatility of this Thai recipe and how it can complement different dishes

Tamarind Vinaigrette: Drizzle the tamarind dressing over a fresh green salad, adding a burst of tanginess and complexity to your greens.
Marinade: Use the tamarind dressing as a marinade for vegetables, tempeh, or tofu, allowing the flavors to infuse and create a mouthwatering dish.
Stir-Fries: Add a few tablespoons of tamarind dressing to your stir-fried vegetables or protein of choice, giving your dish an authentic Thai touch.
Dipping Sauce: Serve the tamarind dressing as a dipping sauce alongside spring rolls, skewers, or dumplings for an extra kick of flavor.

FAQ

How long can I store tamarind dressing?

You can store this homemade dressing in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container for optimal freshness.

Can I use ready-made tamarind puree instead of making my own?

Absolutely, though store-bought brands often contain added sugar or preservatives, so do check the label. Adjust sweetness accordingly.

What if I don’t have palm sugar?

You can substitute with coconut sugar or light brown sugar, but the flavour might be slightly different.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make it completely gluten-free.

Can I freeze leftover tamarind dressing?

Yes, you can freeze it in a suitable container. Thaw in the fridge and whisk well before using.

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Happy cooking!

We hope you enjoy this recipe. Remember to tag #holisticchefacademy if you make it and let us know how it works out for you in the comments below.