Looking to introduce a new ingredient to your healthy dinner recipes? Say hello to tamarind! This fruit (yes, it’s actually a fruit!) is a staple in so many different dishes from around the world, but especially in South Indian cuisine. The young fruit is pretty sour, but as it ripens, it begins to present a sweeter flavor. You can find tamarind used in chutneys, pastes, and marinades. But because of its sweeter side, there are even some desserts and drinks that feature this tropical fruit. 

The health benefits of tamarind are plentiful, making it the perfect addition to your healthy dinner ideas!

• High in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: helps protect against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
• Seed extract may aid in lowering blood sugar, and the pulp extract can help reverse fatty liver disease.
• Nutrient-dense: 1 cup of tamarind pulp contains good amounts of nutrients such as vitamin B1, magnesium, potassium, and more.

At Sambar Kitchen, we’re always looking for ways to bring our traditional, South Indian cuisine to homes across the country. We tried our tamarind concentrate paste with this Sweet and Spicy Cucumber Salad recipe, which is both refreshing and delicious! 

Sweet and Spicy Cucumber Salad

• 1/2 bunch cilantro
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• 2 Thai chiles, finely chopped
• 1/8 cup tamarind concentrate
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp. fish sauce
• 6 medium Persian cucumbers or 1 large English hothouse cucumber, some peel removed in thin alternating strips, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced on a diagonal
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Pinch of Kosher salt
• Store-bought fried shallots and coarsely chopped salted dry-roasted peanuts (for serving)

It’s clear to see tamarind is a versatile staple, but we love it for its flavor, and the fact that it can be a healthy alternative in your favorite recipes. Click here for more healthy dinner recipes using authentic Indian ingredients from Sambar Kitchen! Want to add our sauces, mixes, and essentials to your kitchen? You can now shop our products here!