Homemade Tamarindo Candy Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Tropical Joy

Sweet and tangy tamarind candy dances across taste buds with a zesty punch that captures Mexican street food magic.

This homemade tamarindo candy recipe delivers a nostalgic treat bursting with vibrant flavor.

Sticky, sweet, and slightly sour, these candies offer a delightful balance of intense taste sensations.

Crafted with simple ingredients, the recipe brings authentic street market deliciousness straight to your kitchen.

Soft yet chewy, these treats will transport you to bustling markets with every bite.

You’ll fall in love with the rich, complex notes that make this candy an irresistible snack.

Prepare to indulge in a true culinary adventure that celebrates the bold spirit of traditional Mexican sweets.

Sweet-Spicy Mexican Treat Unique Charm

• Burst with Unique Flavor: Dive into a mouthwatering combination of sweet and spicy that tantalizes your taste buds with an authentic Mexican twist.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Craft these delightful treats with minimal steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a speedy dessert option.
• Versatile Serving Style: Customize your snack by choosing between sugar or chile powder coating, allowing you to adjust the heat and sweetness to match your preference.
• Cultural Culinary Adventure: Experience a traditional Mexican delicacy that brings vibrant flavors and authentic cooking techniques right to your kitchen.

Ingredients for Sweet-Spicy Mexican Treat

• Tamarinds: Sweet and tangy tropical fruit with a unique sour flavor that forms the core of this Mexican treat.
• Hot Water: Essential for softening and extracting the tamarind's rich pulp and natural sweetness.

• Chile Powder, Sugar: Complementary coatings that provide a delightful sweet and spicy contrast to the tamarind's natural taste.

• Seeds: Natural component of the tamarinds that remain in the mixture during processing.
• Fibers: Textural elements removed during the preparation process to create a smooth paste.

Steps for a Sweet-Spicy Treat

Step 1: Prepare Tamarind Base

Grab your fresh tamarinds and gently peel away the outer skin.

Pour steaming hot water over the peeled tamarinds, ensuring they’re completely submerged.

Let the tamarinds soak and soften for about 20 minutes, giving them an occasional stir to help break down the pulp and release their rich, tangy flavor.

Step 2: Break Down Tamarind Pulp

Using your hands or a fork, carefully break the softened tamarinds into small chunks.

Meticulously remove the tough fibers, leaving behind the seeds.

This process helps create a smooth, consistent texture for your Mexican treat.

Step 3: Create Flavor Fusion

• Tamarind pulp
• Sugar
• Chili powder
• Salt

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl, working them together until a smooth, sticky paste forms.

The mixture should have a rich, complex flavor that balances sweet and spicy notes.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Transfer the tamarind mixture to the refrigerator.

Let it cool and firm up for about 20 minutes.

This chilling time helps the flavors meld together and makes the mixture easier to handle.

Step 5: Shape Delightful Treats

Wet your hands with cool water to prevent sticking.

Carefully roll the chilled tamarind mixture into small, bite-sized balls.

The moisture on your hands will help create smooth, uniform shapes.

Step 6: Add Final Flavor Coating

• One with granulated sugar
• Another with chili powder

Use spoons to gently roll each tamarind ball in your chosen coating.

This adds an extra layer of flavor and creates a beautiful, tempting exterior for your Mexican sweet-spicy treat.

Tips for Sweet-Spicy Flavor Balance

• Let hot water soften tamarinds completely, stirring gently to ensure even hydration without breaking fruit structure.
• Carefully separate tough fibers from seeds, creating smooth, consistent paste texture for better mouthfeel.
• Use cool water when forming balls to prevent sticky mixture from clinging to fingers and ensure neat, uniform shapes.
• Use separate spoons for sugar and chile powder to maintain clean coating process and prevent flavor cross-contamination.
• Chill paste precisely 20 minutes to achieve ideal rolling consistency – not too soft, not too firm.

Mexican Treat Variations for Fun

• Tropical Tamarind Treat: Replace chile powder with coconut flakes for a milder, sweeter version that highlights the fruit's natural tanginess.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar to create a diabetic-friendly alternative with reduced calories.
• Vegan Chili Delight: Swap sugar coating with ground nuts like almonds or pistachios for added protein and a crunchy texture.
• Gluten-Free Spice Mix: Incorporate ground ginger or cinnamon with chile powder to enhance flavor while maintaining the recipe's core characteristics.

Serving Sweet-Spicy Treats

• Mexican Fiesta Plating: Arrange the tamarind balls on a colorful ceramic plate, sprinkled with extra chile powder for a vibrant presentation that screams festive flavor.
• Cocktail Party Companion: Serve these tangy-sweet treats alongside margaritas or palomas, creating a perfect balance of spicy and refreshing for your guests.
• Dessert Pairing Magic: Complement the tamarind balls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside fresh tropical fruits like mango and pineapple for a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack the tamarind balls in small decorative bags or mason jars with a ribbon, making them a charming homemade gift for friends who love unique Mexican-inspired sweets.

Storage for Mexican Treats

• Store your sweet-spicy Mexican treat in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture from affecting their texture.
• Place the tamarind balls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll maintain quality for 2-3 months when frozen.
• If serving within 1-2 days, keep the treats in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight in a covered container to preserve their flavor and prevent them from becoming too sticky.
• Dust the stored tamarind balls with extra sugar or chile powder before sealing the container to prevent them from sticking together and maintain their individual coating.

FAQs

• What are tamarinds?

Tamarinds are tropical fruits with a tangy, sweet-sour flavor native to Africa but widely used in Mexican cuisine, with a sticky pulp surrounding hard seeds.

• Can I make this treat without chile powder?

Yes, you can roll the balls in plain sugar for a milder version, though the chile adds a traditional Mexican kick to the sweet-spicy treat.

• How long do these tamarind treats last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these treats can stay fresh for about 5-7 days.

• Are tamarind treats healthy?

Tamarinds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a relatively nutritious sweet snack when consumed in moderation.

Tamarindo Candy Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet and tangy Tamarindo Candy brings Mexican street flavor home with its perfect balance of sour and sugary notes. Homemade treats like these connect you to authentic culinary traditions and delightful cultural experiences.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) tamarind pods, peeled
• 16 ounces (454 grams) white sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) hot water

Seasoning and Thickening Agents:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chili lime seasoning or tajin
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) cornstarch

Coating:

• Extra sugar
• Extra chili powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Immerse the peeled tamarinds in steaming water, allowing them to soften for 20 minutes while gently stirring at intervals.
2. Dismantle the tamarinds into small fragments, meticulously extracting the fibrous elements while preserving the seeds.
3. Blend the processed tamarind mixture with remaining ingredients, creating a cohesive, smooth paste with uniform consistency.
4. Transfer the prepared mixture into the refrigerator, letting it chill and solidify for approximately 20 minutes.
5. Moisten palms with water to prevent sticking, then carefully shape the chilled mixture into uniform, compact spheres.
6. Utilize spoons to gently tumble each formed ball through either granulated sugar or finely ground chile powder, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Notes

• Tamarind softens perfectly when soaked in hot water, releasing its tangy flavor and making it easier to process.
• Use gloves when handling the paste to prevent sticky residue on your hands and maintain a clean preparation surface.
• Adjust spice levels by mixing different chile powders like ancho, guajillo, or cayenne for personalized heat intensity.
• Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 73 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg