Sweet and Tasty Tambran or Tamarind Sauce

Tamarind sauce is a terrific side for pholourie. Since I posted the pholourie yesterday I think it is only fitting to do the sauces that go with the pholourie. This morning I’m going to do the Tambran (Tamarind) sauce first and the next day I’ll show you how to make the Chadon Beni chutney ( just had to save the best for last). The Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is widely grown all over Trinidad; some intentionally ,others just arbitrarily. One thing I know is that the tree lives for a long time…

Where I live there has been one that I’ve known as a child and to my knowing it is still alive and growing. The trunk is perhaps some 10 feet across, and to get that big it has to be about 100 years by now or very close. I too have a tamarind tree in my backyard and it really grows and spreads quickly in a few years time. Now when it bears, we have so much that we give away or someone buys it to make tambran ball (I still have to show you all how to make that one.) 

So now you know I don’t have to buy tambran, all I do is go to my backyard. By the way, you can also freeze tambran for later use. Tambran sauce is absolutely amazing. The tangy-ness of the fruit together with the salt, pepper and other ingredients, just spells party in your mouth. That’s why it’s such a favourite with us Trinidadians. And you all know that I consider myself a sour, salty, peppery tooth instead of a sweet tooth already :^) Anyhow I’m talking too much…..Without further ado here’s Tambran or Tamarind Sauce.

Tambran or Tamarind Sauce

Tambran or Tamarind Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup tamarind pulp
2 leaves chadon beni (culantro)
2 cloves garlic (grated)
1 tablespoon pepper (or to taste)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup of water

Directions:

Shell about 7 or 8 tamarinds and separate the seeds

Add about 1/2 cup of water and squeeze in your hands to separate the pulp in the water.

Add saltground chadon beni and garlic.

Pour in a separate bowl to serve with pholourie.

NB. You can add more water if you want a thinner sauce. Just experiment with it!

So now you know how to make Trini tambran sauce, pholourie and mango chutney, I think you’re on your way to having a little lime at home… Oh! Wait, after I show you the next recipe you’ll not only be able to have a good lime, but you could make pholourie to sell. haha!!! :^)

Coming up in my next post Chadon Beni chutney. Bye!

Print

Tamarind Sauce

Course Condiment
Cuisine Caribbean
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 1 1/2 cup (serving size 1 tbsp.)
Author Felix (Simply Trini Cooking)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup tamarind pulp
  • 2 leaves chadon beni culantro
  • 2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 tbsp. pepper or to taste
  • 1 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup of water

Instructions

  • Shell about 7 or 8 tamarinds and separate the seeds.
  • Add about 1/2 cup of water to the tamarind. Squeeze the tamarind to separate the pulp.
  • Add salt, ground chadon beni and garlic, pepper sauce, and sugar. Mix thoroughly.
  • Pour in a separate bowl to serve.

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14 thoughts on “Sweet and Tasty Tambran or Tamarind Sauce”

  1. my mouth literally began to water looking at this im going to attempt this tamarind sauce with pholorie for labour day will be having the family over

  2. Felix my best friend! All your recipes are so delightfully mouth watering! This is my best website ever! Thanks so much! Keep them coming! Trini/American! Luv yuh! My husband, family and friends luv you too! 🙂 You’re simply the BEST! BETTER than ALL the REST!

  3. Great recipe and lovely pictures. This is my favorite Caribbean recipe site. Tried this recipe last night and it was very good.

    Thanks.

  4. Have you heard / tried or have a comment on Rand brand Tamabrind Paste (no sugar added) ? I seen it on Amazon and wondered if it might be worth picking up? Many thanks!

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