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BLANK » Recipe Index » Caribbean Dishes

Tamarind Balls

April 3, 2024 by Charla 26 Comments

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Learn how to make these delicious tamarind candy balls
Learn how to make these delicious tamarind candy balls

Tamarinds balls are a Caribbean delicacy, these sweet and sour bitesize treats are made using only 3 ingredients. You simply roll fresh tamarind pulp into balls then dust them with sugar.

balls on a plate

Tamarind is that sweet and sour fruit that people either love or hate.

I love the sweet and sour combination of this tropical fruit so much that I'm elated to be sharing this Caribbean sweet snack

These balls are super easy to make and so more-ish too

The definition

A sweet treat made from the tamarind fruit which grows in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

If you have been following me for some time now you will have seen this fruit appear in this Tamarind Chicken dinner or popular Tamarind Juice recipe.

The fruit is de-shelled, then moulded into a large ball with the seeds still intact. Some people add either rum, black pepper, sauce and sugar for additional flavouring.

The mixture is broken off into small balls and finally rolled in sugar before being ready to eat.

I know too well that tamarind balls are a sought after island confectionery which is why I felt the need to make a more healthier version.

If it is your first time visiting my website, you may want to head over to this page entitled Caribbean Foodie 101 to learn how about why I modify Caribbean recipes.

Ways to use tamarind

  • Juice
  • Tea
  • Chutney
  • Sweets/Candy
  • Skincare
  • Haircare
  • Household goods
  • Medicine
    balls on a white plate

    Ingredients you need

    • Tamarind pods: you can purchase a box from most Caribbean/Asian or Latino stores.
    • Sweetener: You whatever sweetener you want for adding to the tamarind and dusting the balls
    • Alcohol free rum flavouring: This is optional, you can leave out the rum flavouring if you want to make it child friendly

    Sugar used for dusting

    Traditionally tamarind balls are rolled and then dusted with white sugar. I find coconut sugar tends to clump together when it's used for dusting.

    The balls work best with a granulated sugar but again you can make the balls without dusting them just add keep them refrigerated or store somewhere cool so they're not too sticky.

    I used Sukrin Gold and stevia which is a great sugar alternative, it's zero calorie and yields that traditional granulated dusting effect without compromising your eating habits.

    As an update, I have also started to dust the balls with raw cane sugar which is another great option.

    Alternatively, you can use monkfruit sugar, erythritol or another granulated sweetener

    The steps

    steps 1-2 de-shelling the tamarind
    • De-shell the tamarind pods and remove the stalk (see picture)
    steps 3-4 adding the coconut sugar
    • Add the sugar and rum essence then use your hands to mould the tamarind flesh into a big ball (use gloves as it might be sticky).
    steps 5-6 rolling the tamarind into mini balls
    • Break off small pieces of the flesh to form balls then roll each one in the sugar

    Where can you buy fresh tamarind?

    You can buy fresh tamarind from most supermarkets that are frequented by Caribbean/latino or Asian people.

    Can you use tamarind puree that's in the jar?

    No, tamarind puree will be too soft to use to form balls, use fresh tamarind pods.

    How to de-shell fresh tamarind pods

    The shells of a tamarind is surprisingly more on the soft side than tough.

    • Use your fingers to literally crack open the shell
    • Pull the stalk away from each pod.
    •  You will be left with the flesh and seeds only, ready to use.

    Notes and tips

    • Use your hands to shape the tamarind into a ball. It takes a bit of effort to make into a dough ball. Some people add flour as an aid for shaping the tamarind ball but I prefer to add as little additives as possible.
    • The seeds are supposed to be there, you simply suck the tamarind fruit off and discard the seed, that's the Caribbean way of having this snack.
    •   Don't worry if some of the seeds come apart, this is completely normal.
    • When forming the balls, your hands maybe become sticky overtime, so use gloves if needed.
    • Tamarind is also known as sampaloc/tamarindo
    • Omit the rum essence if you want to keep the recipe child friendly
    • Add hot sauce or black pepper for an extra kick
    • Using fine coconut sugar to dust the rolls, form a thicker coating around the balls (not what is pictured, looks like a truffle)
    • Can use a white zero calorie sweetener such a sukrin gold, stevia, raw cane sugar or erythritol for dusting the balls if you prefer to.
    close up of the tamarind balls

    Other snacks you may want to try

    • Raw Cacao Energy Balls
    • Plantain Chips
    • Green Banana Chips
    • Cranberry Coconut Energy Balls
    • Yuca Chips
    • Air Fried Okra
    • Grater Cake
    • Peanut Drops
    • Coconut Drops

    **Please comment below and star rate if you have tried my recipes. Support my website by leaving a donation through Buying Me a Coffee. A site to show your appreciation of my hardwork over the years.  Let's be friends and engage on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram I also like to pin on Pinterest, where you can find more amazing recipes.**

    balls on a plate

    Tamarind Balls

    Tamarinds balls are a Caribbean delicacy, these sweet and sour bitesize treats are made using only 3 ingredients. You simply roll fresh tamarind pulp into balls then dust them with sugar.
    4.92 from 12 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetiser
    Cuisine: Caribbean
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 155kcal
    Author: Charla

    Ingredients

    • A box of fresh tamarind pods or use 20 pods
    • 1 tablespoon of rum essence optional
    • ¼ cup of coconut sugar or raw cane sugar
    • Additional sugar for dusting - I used sukrin gold and stevia or raw cane sugar works too! optional

    Instructions

    • Use your hands to de-shell the tamarind then place the flesh in a medium sized bowl.
    • Discard the stem and shell pieces once the tamarind has been shelled
    • Add the coconut sugar, rum essence and any other additional ingredients you choose to use i.e black pepper, hot sauce etc..
    • Use your hands to mould the tamarind into a large ball (use gloves as it might be sticky) and prepare a plate with a layer of sugar for dusting.
    • Break off small pieces of tamarind to form balls then roll into the sugar
    • Repeat this step until all the balls have been made

    Video

    Notes

    • Use your hands to shape the tamarind into a ball. It takes a bit of effort to make into a dough ball. Some people add flour as an aid for shaping the tamarind ball but I prefer to add as little additives as possible.
    • The seeds are supposed to be there, you simply suck the tamarind fruit off and discard the seed, that's the Caribbean way having this snack.
    •   Don't worry if some of the seeds come apart, this is completely normal.
    • When forming the balls, your hands maybe become sticky overtime, so use gloves if needed.
    • Tamarind is also known as sampaloc/tamarindo
    • Omit the rum essence if you want to keep the recipe child friendly
    • Add hot sauce or black pepper for an extra kick
    • Using fine coconut sugar to dust the rolls, form a thicker coating around the balls (not what is pictured, looks like a truffle)
    • Can use a white zero calorie sweetener such a sukrin gold, stevia, raw cane sugar or erythritol for dusting the balls if you prefer to.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 353mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ThatGirlCooksHealthy or tag #ThatGirlCooksHealthy!

    More Caribbean Dishes

    • Jamaican Boiled Dumplings (Gluten Free)
    • Caribbean peanut punch
      Caribbean Peanut Punch
    • A single bowl of conch salad
      Bahamian Conch Salad Recipe
    • A bowl of different chopped fruit
      Tropical Fruit Salad

    About Charla

    I'm Charla. Caribbean foodie & Certified Health Coach. Welcome to the heaven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes.

    Comments

    1. Tara says

      April 06, 2024 at 9:04 pm

      5 stars
      These little treats look fantastic Charla! Such wonderful flavors and I especially appreciate the tips for removing the shells from the tamarind.

      Reply
      • Charla says

        April 07, 2024 at 12:52 pm

        Aww you are more than welcome Tara.

        Reply
    2. Carrie Robinson says

      April 06, 2024 at 5:00 pm

      5 stars
      My fiance loves just about anything with tamarind in it! 🙂 I will have to make these for him soon.

      Reply
      • Charla says

        April 06, 2024 at 6:18 pm

        Please do Carrie

        Reply
    3. Cathleen says

      April 06, 2024 at 3:58 pm

      5 stars
      I used to have this all the time as a kid, but now I don't know where to get it after I moved. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Charla says

        April 06, 2024 at 4:41 pm

        Aww you are very welcome Cathleen

        Reply
    4. suja md says

      April 06, 2024 at 3:01 pm

      5 stars
      This was a such a delicious and easy recipe! So good!

      Reply
      • Charla says

        April 06, 2024 at 3:23 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
    5. Andrea says

      April 06, 2024 at 2:54 pm

      5 stars
      These are truly super simple to make and sound fabulous. I can't wait to try them.

      Reply
      • Charla says

        April 06, 2024 at 3:23 pm

        Thanks Andrea

        Reply
    6. Gina K. says

      April 13, 2023 at 6:54 pm

      4 stars
      I remember these as a kid here in Hawaii. The ones we ate were rolled in sugar and sea salt then wrapped in a gold cellophane. I am going to try some Desaronno and chili pepper water with some of the batch. Thought the process would be difficult but thanks for sharing the ease of making these treats! Aloha & Mahalo

      Reply
      • Charla says

        April 14, 2023 at 1:15 pm

        Hi Gina, sounds like a delicious rendition, enjoy it and thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    7. Susan Martin says

      November 12, 2021 at 1:39 am

      Why do you not mention about removing the seeds. THey are as hard as a rock!

      Reply
      • Charla says

        November 12, 2021 at 6:42 am

        Traditionally, you don't remove the seeds, you are supposed to suck the tamarind fruit then discard the seed, that's how tamarind balls are snacked on.

        Reply
    8. Susan Martin says

      November 09, 2021 at 12:03 am

      Should these be stored in the refrigerator and how long should I make them prior to the event? (My daughter is having a Caribbean themed Baby Shower and I will make these along with some coconut macaroons and coconut sugar cakes.)

      Reply
      • Charla says

        November 10, 2021 at 7:10 am

        Hi Susan, you don't necessarily need to keep them refrigerated, they just need to be stored in a cool area so the sugar doesn't soften too much. Keep them in an airtight container, away from heat. I would suggest making them up to 2-3 days prior to the event. I hope that helps!

        Reply
    9. Ashley says

      July 01, 2020 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      I love the flavor of tamarind, but I learned so much about this ingredient! Thanks for teaching me!

      Reply
      • Charla says

        July 01, 2020 at 6:54 pm

        You are welcome Ashley

        Reply
    10. Jill says

      July 01, 2020 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      I've never seen or tried tamarind. They kind of look like peanuts in the shell! I'll have to see if I can find some.

      Reply
      • Charla says

        July 01, 2020 at 6:55 pm

        Haha peanuts in a shell. Yes, actually they do resemble shelled nuts.

        Reply
    11. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

      July 01, 2020 at 3:29 pm

      5 stars
      Mmm! Sounds like a great treat! I've never made anything using fresh tamarind. what a great new recipe for me!

      Reply
      • Charla says

        July 01, 2020 at 6:56 pm

        Thanks Patricia. Fresh tamarind is a game changer!

        Reply
    12. kim says

      July 01, 2020 at 3:24 pm

      5 stars
      These are absolutely delicious! Love how easy they are too! Will definitely be making again!

      Reply
      • Charla says

        July 01, 2020 at 6:56 pm

        Glad you enjoyed them Kim

        Reply
    13. Abigail Raines says

      July 01, 2020 at 3:03 pm

      5 stars
      I grew up eating tamarind so this is right up my alley! What a delicious sweet treat for sure!

      Reply
      • Charla says

        July 01, 2020 at 6:57 pm

        Thanks Abigail. Yes, Caribbean people and Asians pretty much use tamarind in many of their recipes!

        Reply
    4.92 from 12 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Hey, I'm Charla!

    I'm an avid Caribbean foodie. Welcome to the haven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes.

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