Our Bolitas de tamarindo candy balls combine sour and sweet flavors in a candy that brings happy memories of our childhood. A cute dessert and easy-to-make recipe with just two ingredients, make it and treat family and guests to one of our favorite tamarind recipes.
By - Reviewed: . Original: Jun 5, 2014
Why we ❤️ it
This tamarindo candy recipe is one of my favorite Dominican candy desserts in our blog, a treat that brings me so many good memories. Bolitas de tamarindo was one of my favorite childhood treats, bought from local colmados; it was inexpensive and popular.
I don't know what's about kids and sour taste, but we loved these just as much as we loved eating vinagrillo as kids.
What are tamarindo balls?
Tamarind balls are a tamarind candy with many variations throughout tropical countries. Dominican bolas de tamarindo are made from just tamarind and cane sugar, while the Mexican candy may also contain tajin, a chili powder.
Tamarind candy balls.
What does tamarind candy taste like?
Tamarind candy balls are sweet and sour; just how sour depends on the tamarind you use, as some are more sour than others.
Top tips
- You need to find tamarind that is not too sour; otherwise, your candies will be lip-puckering sour. But you can save it by just adding more sugar.
- Finding tamarind pods is difficult even for us in the Dominican Republic, but tamarind pulp (seeded or not) can be bought frozen in Supermarkets, and - in the US and Europe - at Asian and Latino grocery shops.
- You can keep these in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a month.
About this recipe
Believe it or not, I developed, wrote, and shot this recipe nearly two years before I posted it. And then I wouldn't post it because I wasn't sure why anyone would need that recipe. Two ingredients? Bah!
But here we are. Who cares? It's OK to have recipes with two ingredients or even one! So now you can make your own tamarindo candy any time.
I hope you enjoy it, and if you remember eating this as a child, please share in the comments!
Video
Recipe
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Tamarind Candy Balls [Video+Recipe] Bolitas de Tamarindo
Ingredients
- 1½ cup tamarind pulp, (double if it has seeds)
- 4 cup boiling-hot water
- 1 cup sugar (white, granulated), divided
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or oil spray (for greasing tray and your hands)
Instructions
1. Soaking the pulp
Combine the tamarind pulp with boiling water and let it rest until it has cooled to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and leave in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Making candy
- Sift with a large mesh sieve, crushing the pulp to dissolve it. Discard the solids and seeds left. Add ¾ cup sugar with the tamarind juice (taste and add more sure if you find it necessary). Heat in a skillet or pot over medium heat.Stir vigorously; the mixture will begin to change color and get a little darker. When it is so thick that it is hard to stir, remove it from the heat and pour it over a lightly greased baking sheet. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Forming balls
Coat your hands with a little oil and form small balls (1 in [2.5 cm] in diameter). Coat the balls with the remaining sugar.
4. Serving and storing
- Serve, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutrition information.
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More tamarind recipes
And if you like tamarind, well, I have this recipe for you, one for Tamarind popsicles, and of course, Tamarind juice for you to enjoy.
For a non-traditional recipe, dress up your grilled meats with this Tamarind BBQ sauce.
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