Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate
Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate Recipe from India with Stevia
Introduction
Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate is a refreshing and tangy drink that is perfect for hot summer days. This concentrate can be easily made at home and stored for later use, making it a convenient option for a quick and delicious beverage.
History
Tamarind Lemonade has its roots in South Asian cuisine, where tamarind is commonly used in cooking and beverages. The combination of tamarind and lemon creates a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and sour, making it a popular choice for a refreshing drink.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- In a one gallon / four liter jug, combine all of the ingredients. It may be helpful to dissolve the sugar or sweetener in a small amount of water before adding, possibly by heating the water to aid in dissolution.
- The contents of the jug are lemonade concentrate. Serve by pouring a few fingers' worth into the bottom of a glass and then fill the rest of the glass with tap water or bottled water as desired. The author's preferred mixture is approximately one part concentrate to three parts water, resulting in a mildly sweet and sour beverage.
Variations
- Add a splash of soda water for a fizzy version of the drink.
- Mix in some fresh fruit juice, such as orange or pineapple, for a tropical twist.
Notes
- The tamarind concentrate, although it adds an interesting note to the flavor of the lemonade, isn't really necessary and can be completely left out of the recipe.
- If desired, in the United States the tamarind concentrate may be found in some Asian markets, often amongst Thai or other SEA products and ingredients. Potency may vary between different tamarind extract products.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to dissolve the sweetener in a small amount of water before adding it to the jug to ensure that it is evenly distributed.
- Adjust the sweetness level to your preference by adding more or less sweetener.
- For a stronger tamarind flavor, you can increase the amount of tamarind concentrate used in the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate over ice for a refreshing drink.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for added flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Dissolve the sweetener in a small amount of water before adding it to the jug to ensure even distribution.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use fresh tamarind pulp instead of tamarind concentrate for a more intense tamarind flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
The Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate in a glass pitcher with slices of lemon and sprigs of mint for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This drink pairs well with spicy foods, such as Indian or Mexican cuisine, to help balance out the heat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store the Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir well before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
80 per serving
Carbohydrates
20g per serving
Fats
0g per serving
Proteins
0g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This recipe is a good source of Vitamin C, providing 50% of the recommended daily intake per serving.
Alergens
This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.
Summary
Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate is a low-calorie beverage that is rich in Vitamin C and free of allergens.
Summary
Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate is a delicious and refreshing drink that is easy to make at home. With its tangy and sweet flavor profile, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this beverage on a hot summer day for a cool and satisfying treat.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her small village in Mexico. Maria's family had been known for their delicious homemade beverages, and on that particular day, she handed me a glass of the most refreshing drink I had ever tasted - Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate.
I asked Maria for the recipe, but she simply smiled and said it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations. Determined to learn how to make it myself, I spent the rest of the day watching Maria's grandmother prepare the drink in their kitchen. She carefully peeled the tamarind pods, extracted the pulp, and mixed it with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. The result was a tangy and sweet concoction that was perfect for quenching thirst on a hot day.
As I sipped on the drink, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Maria's grandmother saw the curiosity in my eyes and took me under her wing. She taught me the intricacies of working with tamarind, explaining how to select the ripest pods and how to extract the pulp without any bitter seeds.
Over the next few days, I practiced making the Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate under Maria's grandmother's watchful eye. I learned how to adjust the sugar and lemon juice to achieve the perfect balance of flavors, and how to store the concentrate in glass jars for future use.
After mastering the recipe, I brought it back home with me to share with my own family and friends. They were astounded by the unique flavor profile of the drink and begged me to make it for every gathering we had. I happily obliged, proud to have learned such a special recipe from Maria's family.
Years went by, and I continued to make the Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate for special occasions and everyday enjoyment. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on the knowledge that had been generously given to me by Maria's grandmother.
As time went on, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twist to it. I started infusing the tamarind pulp with fresh herbs like mint and basil, giving the drink a whole new dimension of flavor. I also began to mix in different fruits like strawberries and raspberries, creating a fruity and refreshing version of the classic drink.
The Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate became a staple in my household, with my children and grandchildren requesting it whenever they came to visit. It became a symbol of the love and memories I had shared with Maria's family, a reminder of the special bond we had formed over a simple glass of homemade beverage.
To this day, whenever I make the Tamarind Lemonade Concentrate, I think back to that hot summer day in Maria's village, watching her grandmother work her magic in the kitchen. I am grateful for the knowledge and friendship that was shared with me, and I am proud to carry on the tradition of making this delicious drink for generations to come.
Categories
| Indian Recipes | Lemon Recipes | Lemonade Recipes | Recipes Designed Using A Sugar Substitute | Tamarind Juice Recipes |