Tamarind Balls

Tamarind Balls are sweet, sour, sticky mounds of tamarind pulp coated with sugar. Made from the tamarind fruit this Caribbean bite-sized treat is a quick and easy 2-ingredient indulgence you won’t regret. It doesn’t get easier or tastier than this.

Want to try more delicious Jamaican desserts? Check out Jamaican Coconut Drops, Gizzada and Grater Cake.

Jamaican Tamarind Balls

If you’re Jamaican then you know all about tamarind balls. But this chewy snack is popular beyond Jamaica and is a staple across the Caribbean, including countries like Trinidad and Guyana.

If you’re unfamiliar with the tamarind tree and tamarind pods, this tamarind balls recipe is a delicious introduction. I like using sour (or tangy) tamarind with sugar, but it’s quite common to see optional add-ins as well such as pepper, aromatics and spices.

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Healthy Snack: Sure it’s candy but tamarind fruit is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
• Easy to Make: Knead fresh tamarind pulp with sugar, then roll them into balls and dust in another light coating of sugar. It’s that simple!
• Family Friendly: With no fancy equipment or sharp objects necessary, this is a great kitchen activity to do with the little ones. And if you end up getting tamarind with seeds, the kids can remove them or have fun sucking off the pulp.

What is Tamarind?

Tamarind, also known as tamarindo, is a tropical fruit. It has a brown pod with sticky pulp inside. When growing on a hardwood tree, tamarind is green but as it ripens, it turns brown. You can find tamarind in three forms: raw pods, pressed blocks/pulp, and concentrate.

Tamarind is commonly used in various culinary dishes and beverages to add a tangy flavour. It is a key ingredient in many African, Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

What Does Tamarind Taste Like?

Tamarind has a distinct flavour that combines sweet, sour, and slightly tangy notes. It’s been compared to apricots, dates, and lemons. The tamarind pulp is tart and acidic, with a hint of sweetness that becomes more pronounced as the fruit ripens. The flavours of tamarind balls are often rounded out with spicy notes thanks to the inclusion of scotch bonnet pepper or hot pepper of choice.

Tamarind Health Benefits

Tamarind is good for more than just dessert or a snack. Here are some of the health benefits:

• Contains essential amino acids that help the body repair tissues.
• A rich source of B vitamins, particularly thiamine and folate.
• Tamarind contains anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It is sometimes used in traditional medicine to alleviate joint pain and reduce inflammation.
• It contains flavonoids, which can help regulate cholesterol levels.
• Contains dietary fiber that can aid digestion. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps prevent constipation. Tamarind has natural laxative effects and is sometimes used to relieve mild cases of constipation.

How to Use Tamarind

This fruit is so versatile that it can be used in a variety of recipes, not just to make tamarind balls candy. Here are some more ideas:

• Dips, Sauces, Salad Dressing & Marinades
• Beverages (i.e., juice, tea, soda)
• Chutney
• Curries and Stews

What’s Needed to Make This Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)

• Mixing Bowl: This contains the dough as you combine the ingredients.
• Parchment Paper: Use this as a nonstick surface for the tamarind balls.

Tamarind Balls Ingredients

• Tamarind Pulp: This is 100% pulp with no sweeteners or additives. You can find seedless tamarind pulp at an Asian grocery store or in a Caribbean market. It makes prep even easier, however it is quite common to find them with seeds, which is apart of the experience.
• Cane Sugar or coconut sugar: Granulated sugar works best for this recipe but you can use coconut sugar as an alternative.
• Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Add finely chopped. Optional. If using, ensure you use gloves.

How to Make Tamarind Balls

1. Pour about a 1/2 cup of sugar onto a plate for dusting and set aside. Then, in a bowl, add the tamarind pulp, sugar and any additional add-ins if using. Using your hands, knead/press to combine the ingredients until the sugar dissolves into the pulp and the mixture becomes very sticky.
2. Take a small piece of the tamarind mixture and roll it in your hands until it forms a ball, then roll in prepared sugar to coat. Repeat until finished, then set aside on parchment paper and enjoy.

Recipe Substitutions and Tips

• Spicy: Add black pepper, hot sauce, tajin cayenne pepper, chili powder or habanero pepper for more heat.
• Savoury: Some recipes include fresh garlic or garlic powder or onion powder.
• Sweet: Want something besides white sugar? Try brown sugar, honey or even cocoa powder.
• Rum Flavouring: Want an adult treat? Add rum essence for depth of flavour.

Recipe Notes and Tips for the Best Tamarind Balls

• Do not confuse tamarind pulp with tamarind paste. The paste is sweetened and has a looser consistency that doesn’t work with this recipe.
• This recipe is simple but does require some elbow grease to shape the tamarind into balls.
• If you get tamarind pulp with seeds, you don’t have to remove the seeds. It’s a matter of personal preference.

Can I Make Tamarind Balls Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Tamarind balls store well, lasting up to a week when properly stored.

Storage Instructions

Store tamarind ball candy in an air-tight container, in a cool, dry place (at room temperature) or in the fridge for about one week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Interested in more Delicious Recipes? Check These Out!

• Jamaican Easter Bun
• Jamaican Black Cake
• Gizzada
• Jamaican Coconut Drops
• Grater Cake
• Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
• Cornmeal Pudding
• How to Soak Fruit for Christmas Cake
• How to Make the BEST Almond Milk (Dairy-Free & Vegan)
• No Bake Vanilla Protein Balls
• Air-Fryer Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
• Jamaican Fried Dumpling

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