India | Sauces & Condiments | Tamarind

Imli Chatni

(Indian tamarind sauce)

Yield: about 2 1/2 cups


INGREDIENTS PREP AMOUNT
Tamarind pulp 2 Tbsp
Warm water 1 cup
 
Raisins 1/4 cup
Dates 1/4 cup
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Cumin, ground 1 1/2 tsp
Ground ginger 1 tsp
Cayenne pepper 1/4 to 1/2 tsp
Garam masala (opt.) 1 tsp
Salt 2 tsp

METHOD

Basic Steps:  Soak → Strain → Puree
  1. Soak tamarind in the water for 15 minutes. Mash it into the water to dissolve the pulp. Strain the tamarind water through a sieve to get out fibers and seeds.
  2. Mix tamarind water with rest of ingredients and puree in a blender.

VARIATIONS

  • Use all raisins or all dates if you like. Golden raisins, or sultanas, work very well.

NOTES