Hero Ingredient:
Tamarind

Tamarind is a tropical fruit that grows in pods, originating from the tamarind tree, which is native to Africa but now commonly cultivated in tropical regions worldwide, including Southeast Asia and India. The fruit is known for its tangy, sweet-and-sour flavour, which makes it a popular ingredient in many cuisines. The pulp inside the pod is used to create tamarind paste or tamarind puree, which has a rich, deep, slightly sweet taste with a sour edge.

Why Tamarind Works as a Substitute for Tomato Paste

Tamarind works particularly well as a substitute for tomato paste because of its tartness and the umami qualities that it brings to a dish. Tomato paste typically serves as a thickening agent in dishes and provides a slightly acidic, rich flavour. Tamarind paste can replicate that richness, adding both acidity and a bit of sweetness without the nightshades. Tamarind adds similar depth of flavour as tomato paste, making it perfect for curries, soups, marinades, or sauces that would typically call for tomatoes.

The key to using tamarind in place of tomato paste is balance. Since tamarind is stronger and more sour, it’s important to start with a small amount and then adjust the flavour. A spoonful of tamarind paste in a curry or sauce can replace tomato paste, but you may want to balance the sharpness with a touch of sugar or honey. This helps cut through the tanginess and mimics the slightly sweet undertone you would get from tomato paste. It’s also important to taste and adjust as you go, as too much tamarind can overpower the dish.

How to Use Tamarind Paste in Recipes

When substituting tamarind paste for tomato paste in recipes, a little goes a long way. For every tablespoon of tomato paste, start with half a teaspoon of tamarind paste, and taste the dish to see if it needs more. Remember, tamarind is more acidic than tomato paste, so it may require some additional balancing with sugar or a pinch of salt. If the tamarind flavour is too strong, you can dilute it with a bit of water or broth, especially in soups and sauces.

In curries, tamarind paste works wonders in replacing tomatoes, providing the same acidity without the use of nightshades. It also works beautifully in stews, marinades, or even in stir-fries, adding a unique, tangy flavour that can complement meats, vegetables, and grains.

Where to Find Tamarind Paste

For the average cook outside of major cities, tamarind paste may be a little hard to find. It’s usually available in stores that carry international or Southeast Asian ingredients, such as Asian grocery stores or large supermarkets with a global foods section, or Indian, Mexican, or Middle Eastern markets. If you can’t find tamarind paste in-store, it is widely available online through retailers like Amazon or specialty stores like Thrive Market or World Market.

If you’re having trouble finding tamarind paste specifically, tamarind concentrate or tamarind syrup are good substitutes. If you want to try these options, experiment a bit and see what works for you – they’re likely to be pretty strong so add small amounts, taste, and adjust.

Tamarind paste is an excellent nightshade-free alternative to tomato paste, bringing a unique depth of flavour to your dishes. With its sweet-sour balance, it can stand in for tomatoes in a variety of recipes, including curries, sauces, and marinades, making it a hero ingredient for nightshade-free cooking. It’s worth investing in a jar and giving it a try!