African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Simple Sweet Tamarind Sauce Recipe

Simple sweet tamarind sauce recipe, tamarind is an important ingredient in African chutneys, curries and sauces.


Tamarindus indica or the tamarind tree is native to tropical Africa; the tree grows wild throughout Sudan, and South Sudan, Madagascar and most of tropical Africa. 

 The tamarind tree has so many uses that it is celebrated throughout the world. The tamarind tree has a variety of uses as food, oil, varnish, dye, timber, glue, medicine, fuel, and a thickener in some explosives. 

 The tamarind tree lives up to an age of 50-60 years or sometimes up to 150 years. A mature tamarind tree may annually produce 330 to 500 pounds of seeds. The tamarind tree seeds are an important ingredient in chutneys, curries, and sauces.

Simple Sweet Tamarind Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

Yields about 1-pint jar

3 heaping tablespoons tamarind paste
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups water

Directions

Sterilize jar according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In a medium size saucepan, add all ingredients. Simmer 5 minutes on medium-high heat being careful not to burn. Do not over boil the mixture or you will make candy. Pour into prepared mason jar. Use on fish, shrimp and grilled chicken.
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