This tamarindo candy is inspired by a sweet, spicy and tart Mexican tamarind candy which is popular in Mexico and other parts of the world! This tamarind candy recipe has a healthy twist, takes less than 5 minutes to make and you don’t need fresh tamarind to make these delicious tamarind candy balls.
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Ever since I got a delicious taste of tamarindo candy in Mexico, I have been obsessed!
While there are different varieties of Mexican tamarind candy, it was something about the combination of tart and sweet (and often spicy combination that I adored.
If you love sweet and spicy, you should definitely check out these Mexican Fruit Cups with Tajin and this Chamoy Pickle.
If you love delicious Mexican recipes, you should probably whip up some Tres Leches Pancakes, easy Homemade Salsa and Healthy Tortilla Chips!
Tamarind flavor has long been a favorite of mine. Harkening back to my childhood when I enjoyed a delicious sweet and tart tamarind dipping sauce.
Two other favorite flavors that are absolute staples in the my household are Tajin and Chamoy.
Tajin is a chili lime seasoning that is absolutely delicious on fruit. It is also what makes for a delicious variation of this spicy tamarind candy!
Chamoy is a popular Mexican condiment made from apricot, plum and/or mango, as well as chili, salt and citrus making for a tart and sweet sauce that is also delicious on fruit.
It’s flavor profile reminds me of tamarindo candy and also serves as a flavor variation for tamarind candy as well. Inspired by my obsession with candy in general, I set out on a quest to make my own tamarindo candy.
As I am apt to do, I love to try to make “healthier” versions of different foods and add little shortcuts to make certain foods more accessible or quick to make.
In this case, tamarind is very hard to find in my local area. Additionally, the preparation of the tamarind to make delicious tamarindo candy can be quite cumbersome.
Knowing that I could buy Tamicon tamarind concentrate (think tamarind syrup) on Amazon was my starting inspiration.
I have used this flavorful and tart syrup to make other delicious recipes and I knew that with a little creativity, I could use it to make delicious tamarind candy.
These tamarind candy balls are made with 3 easy main ingredients: tamarind concentrate, cashews and dates (you can then roll them in sugar or tajin or both!) depending on what sweet or spicy variety you would enjoy.
De la Rosa pulparindo tamarindo candy is some of my favorite and served as my inspiration.
Other delicious tamarind mexican candies to check out are tamaros, pelonazo, rellerindos, flautirriko, pelon candy (pelon pelo rico tamarind candy), Chaca-Chaca Tamarindo De Frutas and tamaricco.
Why this recipe works
- This is healthier version of tamarindo candy. Sneaking in some fruit and nuts is a great way to get all the flavor and add a nutritional boost.
- Tamarind candy is super quick to make. Pop everything in your food process and you will be done in minutes. You are going to love this Mexican inspired candy snack.
- Ingredients to make spicy tamarind candy can easily be found online. Amazon is a great way to get your ingredients quickly without even having to go to the grocery store!
Ingredients
Cashews: You will want to use raw unsalted cashews. These cashews on Amazon are delicious.
Medjool Dates: Large medjool dates are recommended. If you use a different type of date, such deglet dates, they are typically smaller so you will want to use a few more.
Tamarind Concentrate: Tamicon tamarind concentrate can be purchased on Amazon. It is not a paste, it is a concentrated syrup.
Sugar (Optional but recommended): White granulated sugar for rolling your tamarind candy balls.
Tajin (Optional): This chili lime seasoning is delicious and adds a spicy dimension to this tamarindo candy. You can roll your tamarindo candy is just Tajin or a mixture or tajin and sugar.
How to make tamarindo candy recipe
- In food processor, blend cashews, medjool dates and tamarind concentrate.
- Roll mixture into small balls. Makes about 10.
- Roll balls in white sugar. You can also roll in a combination of white sugar and Tajin (mix to your desired spicy taste level).
What is tamarindo candy?
Tamarindo candy is candy that is made from tamarind and various other ingredients including sugar and sometimes tajin.
Tamarind is a hardwood tree that grows in many tropical regions. It produces pods that contain a fibrous fruit like pulp that is sweet and tangy/sour.
Tamarind pulp is used in many different ethnic cuisines and can be used to make sauces, marinades, dressings, desserts and in this case, tamarindo candy!
FAQ and expert tips
Tamarindo is a fruit like pulp that derives from the tamarind tree. This tamarind pulp can be used to make tamarindo candy.
Tamarind pulp is from the pods of a tamarind tree. This fibrous fruit pulp is generally a sweet and sour or tart flavor.
Chamoy tastes similar to tamarindo. Chamoy is typically plum, apricot or mango and other tart/sweet spices. Tamarindo fruit pulp also has a similar sweet/tart flavor.
No chamoy does not taste like Tajin. Chamoy is a syrup or paste made of pickled fruit and is typically salty, sweet, sour and spicy. Tajin is a seasoning made with chili, lime and salt.
Looking for other delicious Mexican food recipes?
- Instant Pot Tri Tip (fajita and green chili version)
- Easy Cheese Enchiladas
- Tres Leches Cocktail
- Vodka Margarita
- Rum Margarita
- Red Sangria
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Tamarindo Candy
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- ¼ cup raw unsalted cashews
- 6 large medjool dates
- 2 tablespoons tamarind concentrate (Tamicon brand)
- 2 tablespoons (For Rolling) White Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Optional (for rolling): Tajin (Chili Lime Seasoning)
Instructions
- In food processor, blend cashews, medjool dates and tamarind concentrate.
- Roll mixture into small balls. Makes about 10.
- Roll balls in white sugar. You can also roll in a combination of white sugar and Tajin (mix to your desired spicy taste level).
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