18 Mexican Tamarind Water Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: May 7, 2024
Mexican tamarind water, also known as "agua de tamarindo," is a refreshing and traditional drink that is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. This iconic Mexican beverage is made from tamarind pods, water, and sugar, and it has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that is loved by many. Not only is this drink delicious, but it also has numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals. In this article, we will dive deeper into the recipe for this popular Mexican drink and explore its origins, ingredients, and nutritional value.
Main Ingredients: Tamarind, Water, Sugar, Lime, Chili Powder
Agua de Tamarindo, or Tamarind Water, is a refreshing and tangy drink that is perfect for hot summer days. Made from tamarind pods, sugar, and water, this drink is popular in many Latin American countries, including Mexico and Puerto Rico.
To make this delicious drink, you will need to first remove the seeds and pulp from the tamarind pods. Then, mix the pulp with hot water until it dissolves. After straining the mixture, add sugar to taste and chill in the fridge before serving over ice. You can also add a squeeze of lime for an extra zing.
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Agua De Tamarindo (Tamarind Water)
Main Ingredients: Tamarind Pods, Sugar, Water
For a fun twist on the classic whiskey sour, try making a Tamarind Brandy Sour using agua de tamarindo. This cocktail combines the tangy and sweet flavors of tamarind with the smoothness of brandy for a unique and delicious drink.
To make this cocktail, mix brandy, lemon juice, sugar, and agua de tamarindo in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy!
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Tamarind Brandy Sour + Agua de Tamarindo
Main Ingredients: Tamarind Pods, Piloncillo, Water, Tamarindo, Brandy
If you're looking for a tasty and easy weeknight dinner, try making Shrimp and Tofu Pad Thai. This dish combines the bold flavors of tamarind, fish sauce, and chili paste with the lightness of shrimp and tofu for a delicious and satisfying meal.
To make this dish, sauté shrimp and tofu in a pan, then add rice noodles, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and chili paste. Mix well and cook until the noodles are soft. Serve with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime for a finishing touch.
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Agua de Tamarindo, or Tamarind Water
Main Ingredients: Tamarind, Water, Sugar
If you want to make agua de tamarindo from scratch, it's actually quite simple. All you need are tamarind pods, sugar, and water. First, remove the seeds and pulp from the tamarind pods and mix with hot water until dissolved. Then, strain the mixture and add sugar to taste. Chill in the fridge before serving over ice.
You can also experiment with adding different flavors to your agua de tamarindo, such as mint or ginger, to create a unique and refreshing drink.
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Shrimp and Tofu Pad Thai
Main Ingredients: Rice, Cold Water, Green Onions, Canola Oil, Shallot
Phad Thai, also known as Pad Thai, is a popular Thai dish that features tamarind as a key ingredient. This dish typically includes rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, and a tangy sauce made from tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar.
To make this dish, first cook the rice noodles and set aside. Then, sauté shrimp, tofu, and bean sprouts in a pan. Next, mix together tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and a little water to create the sauce. Add the noodles to the pan and pour the sauce over the top. Cook until the noodles are coated in the sauce and serve with crushed peanuts and a lime wedge.
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Agua de Tamarindo
Main Ingredients: Tamarind Pods, Water, Piloncillo
Soup dumplings, also known as xiao long bao, are a popular Chinese dish that features a juicy filling and a thin, delicate wrapper. Tamarind is often used in the filling to add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
To make these dumplings, mix ground pork, tamarind paste, soy sauce, and green onions together for the filling. Then, wrap the filling in thin dough wrappers and steam until cooked. Serve with a dipping sauce made from tamarind, soy sauce, and chili paste for a delicious and unique twist on a classic dish.
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How to Make Agua de Tamarindo
Main Ingredients: Tamarind Pods, Water, Sugar
Rajma Masala is a popular Indian dish made from kidney beans and a variety of spices, including tamarind. This dish is typically slow-cooked, but using an InstaPot can significantly speed up the process.
To make this dish, first sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in the InstaPot. Then, add spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Next, add soaked kidney beans, water, and tamarind paste. Cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally. Serve over rice for a delicious and hearty meal.
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PHAD THAI
Main Ingredients: Dried Shrimp, Thai Noodles, Vegetable Oil, Cilantro
If you're looking for a healthy and flavorful salad, try making a Chopped Kale and Chickpea Salad with Tamarind Dressing. This salad features nutrient-rich kale, creamy chickpeas, and a tangy dressing made from tamarind, honey, and olive oil.
To make this salad, first chop kale and mix with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Then, mix together tamarind paste, honey, olive oil, and a little water to create the dressing. Pour over the salad and toss to coat. Optional toppings include avocado, feta cheese, and toasted almonds.
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Soup Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Gyoza, Ground Chicken, Green Onions, Garlic Cloves
Nasi Lemak is a popular Malaysian dish that features fragrant coconut rice, spicy sambal, and a variety of toppings, including tamarind-based dishes like fish curry or fried sambal squid. This dish is often served for breakfast but can be enjoyed any time of day.
To make this dish, first cook the rice with coconut milk, pandan leaves, and salt. Then, make a spicy sambal sauce by blending chilies, shallots, garlic, tamarind paste, and other seasonings. Serve the rice with the sambal and your choice of toppings for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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InstaPot Rajma Masala
Main Ingredients: Rajma, Oil, Ghee, Onion, Tomatoes, Ginger Paste, Garlic
Pani Puri, also known as Gol Gappa or Puchka, is a popular Indian street food that features crispy fried dough balls filled with a tangy and spicy tamarind water. This dish is a favorite among street food lovers and is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
To make this dish, you will need to first make the dough for the shells and fry them until crispy. Then, mix together tamarind paste, spices, and water to create the filling. Finally, assemble the puris by filling them with the tamarind water and topping with chopped onions and cilantro. Pop the whole thing in your mouth for a burst of flavor!
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Chopped Kale and Chickpea Salad with Tamarind...
Main Ingredients: Kale, Garbanzo Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Onion, Olive
Curried yellow split peas, also known as dhal, are a popular dish in many Indian and Caribbean cuisines. This dish features split peas cooked with a variety of spices, including tamarind, for a bold and flavorful dish.
To make this dish, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan. Then, add spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Next, add the split peas and water and let simmer until the peas are soft. Finish with a squeeze of tamarind paste and serve over rice for a hearty and tasty meal.
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An Authentic Nasi Lemak
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Salt, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Pandan
Mussaman Beef Curry, also known as Geng Mussaman, is a popular Thai dish that features a rich and flavorful curry sauce with tender beef and potatoes. Tamarind is often used in the sauce to add a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish.
To make this curry, first marinate beef in a mixture of tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Then, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan before adding the beef and cooking until browned. Finally, add coconut milk, curry paste, and potatoes and let simmer until the beef is tender. Serve over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Pani Puri | Mouth watering Gol Gappa | Puchka
Main Ingredients: Semolina, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Cooking Oil, Warm
Chicken Chaat is a popular South Asian dish that features tangy and spicy flavors. Tamarind is often used in the marinade for the chicken to add a tangy element to the dish.
To make this dish, first marinate chicken in a mixture of tamarind paste, yogurt, and spices. Then, grill or bake the chicken until cooked. Serve over a bed of greens and top with a tangy tamarind sauce made from tamarind paste, vinegar, and sugar for a flavorful and healthy meal.
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Curried Yellow Split Peas
Main Ingredients: Yellow Split Peas, Fenugreek Seed, Mace, Fennel Seed
If you're looking for a unique and tasty vegetarian dish, try making Pan Fried Avocado Kofta. This dish features creamy avocado mixed with spices and coated in a crispy chickpea flour batter and served with a tangy tamarind chutney.
To make this dish, mix mashed avocado with spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Then, form into balls and coat in a batter made from chickpea flour, water, and spices. Pan fry until crispy and serve with a tangy tamarind chutney for dipping.
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RICK STEIN’S MUSSAMAN BEEF CURRY (GENG MUSSAMAN)
Main Ingredients: Chuck Steak, Coconut Milk, Cardamom Pods, Cinnamon
Bagara Baingan is a popular Hyderabadi dish that features eggplants cooked in a tangy and spicy sauce made with tamarind, peanuts, and spices. This dish is typically served with rice or flatbread for a hearty and flavorful meal.
To make this dish, first fry eggplants until browned. Then, make a sauce by blending tamarind paste, peanuts, and spices. Add the sauce to the eggplants and let simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve over rice or with flatbread for a delicious and unique dish.
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Chicken Chaat
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Garlic, Salt, Vegetable Oil, Onion
Massaman Curry is a popular Thai dish known for its rich and flavorful curry sauce and tender chunks of meat, usually beef or chicken. Tamarind is often used in the sauce to add a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish.
To make this curry, first brown meat in a pan before adding a curry paste made from a blend of spices, including tamarind. Then, add coconut milk, vegetables, and potatoes and let simmer until the meat is tender. Serve over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Pan Fried Avocado Kofta
Main Ingredients: Avocado, Grated Carrot, Semolina, Rice Flour, Onion
If you're looking for a tasty and meat-free version of the classic Pad Thai, try making a Vegetarian Pad Thai using tofu and vegetables. Tamarind is still used in the sauce for that signature tangy and sweet flavor.
To make this dish, first cook rice noodles and set aside. Then, sauté tofu, vegetables, and scrambled eggs in a pan. Next, add the noodles and a sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Cook until the noodles are coated in the sauce and serve with crushed peanuts and a lime wedge for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Bagara Baingan
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Peanut Butter, Tahini, Grated Coconut, Red
Tamarind Rice, also known as Pulihora or Puliyogare, is a popular South Indian dish that features tangy and spicy flavors. Tamarind paste is used to create the tangy and slightly sweet sauce that coats the rice.
To make this dish, first cook rice and set aside. Then, sauté onions, mustard seeds, and curry leaves in a pan. Add tamarind paste, spices, and cooked rice and mix well. Serve as a side dish or enjoy on its own for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Massaman Curry
Main Ingredients: Red Chillies, Medium Red Onion, Garlic, Galangal
For a tasty and easy way to add tamarind to your diet, try making Tamarind Glazed Salmon. This dish features a sweet and tangy glaze made from tamarind paste, soy sauce, and honey that is brushed over salmon before cooking.
To make this dish, simply mix tamarind paste, soy sauce, and honey together, then brush over salmon and bake until cooked. The result is a flavorful and healthy meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
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Vegetarian Pad Thai
Main Ingredients: Rice Noodles, Soft Tofu, Garlic, Onion, Baby Bok Choy
If you're a fan of unique and bold flavors, try making Tamarind Ice Cream. This dessert features a sweet and tangy ice cream made with tamarind paste, cream, and sugar for a refreshing and delicious treat.
The Origins of Mexican Tamarind Water
The History of Tamarind
Tamarind is a fruit that originated in Africa and was brought to Mexico by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. It quickly became popular in Mexico, and its use in various dishes and drinks, including tamarind water, is deeply ingrained in Mexican culture. Tamarind trees can now be found growing in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Mexico, India, and Thailand.
The Significance of Tamarind Water in Mexican Culture
Mexican tamarind water holds a special place in Mexican cuisine and culture. It is often enjoyed during celebrations and festivals, such as Mexican Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo. Additionally, tamarind water is also used as a traditional remedy for various ailments, such as digestion problems and sore throats.
Ingredients for Mexican Tamarind Water
Tamarind Pods
The main ingredient in Mexican tamarind water is, of course, tamarind pods. These pods are filled with a sticky, dark brown pulp that has a unique sweet and sour flavor. The pulp is extracted and used to make the drink.
Water
As the name suggests, water is another essential ingredient in tamarind water. It is used to dilute the tamarind pulp and create a refreshing beverage.
Sugar
To balance out the tanginess of the tamarind, sugar is added to the drink. The amount of sugar can be adjusted depending on personal taste preferences.
Optional Ingredients
While the traditional recipe only calls for tamarind, water, and sugar, some variations may include additional ingredients such as lime juice, cinnamon, or even tequila for an adult version.
Nutritional Value of Mexican Tamarind Water
Tamarind is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any diet. It is a good source of vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium. Additionally, tamarind is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help with digestion and blood sugar control. However, it is important to note that tamarind water does contain sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation.
In conclusion, Mexican tamarind water is not only a delicious and refreshing drink but also a significant part of Mexican culture and cuisine. With its unique flavor and numerous health benefits, it is no wonder that tamarind water has become a beloved beverage all over the world. So why not try making your own Mexican tamarind water at home and experience a taste of Mexico in every sip?