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.
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
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
- De-shell the tamarind pods and remove the stalk (see picture)
- 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).
- 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.
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
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Tamarind Balls
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.
Tara says
These little treats look fantastic Charla! Such wonderful flavors and I especially appreciate the tips for removing the shells from the tamarind.
Charla says
Aww you are more than welcome Tara.
Carrie Robinson says
My fiance loves just about anything with tamarind in it! 🙂 I will have to make these for him soon.
Charla says
Please do Carrie
Cathleen says
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 🙂
Charla says
Aww you are very welcome Cathleen
suja md says
This was a such a delicious and easy recipe! So good!
Charla says
Thank you
Andrea says
These are truly super simple to make and sound fabulous. I can't wait to try them.
Charla says
Thanks Andrea
Gina K. says
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
Charla says
Hi Gina, sounds like a delicious rendition, enjoy it and thanks for stopping by!
Susan Martin says
Why do you not mention about removing the seeds. THey are as hard as a rock!
Charla says
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.
Susan Martin says
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.)
Charla says
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!
Ashley says
I love the flavor of tamarind, but I learned so much about this ingredient! Thanks for teaching me!
Charla says
You are welcome Ashley
Jill says
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.
Charla says
Haha peanuts in a shell. Yes, actually they do resemble shelled nuts.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Mmm! Sounds like a great treat! I've never made anything using fresh tamarind. what a great new recipe for me!
Charla says
Thanks Patricia. Fresh tamarind is a game changer!
kim says
These are absolutely delicious! Love how easy they are too! Will definitely be making again!
Charla says
Glad you enjoyed them Kim
Abigail Raines says
I grew up eating tamarind so this is right up my alley! What a delicious sweet treat for sure!
Charla says
Thanks Abigail. Yes, Caribbean people and Asians pretty much use tamarind in many of their recipes!