Tangy & Trending: Cooking with Tamarind
- The Pantry Planner
- Oct 9
- 4 min read
+ 3 Recipes featuring A Spice Affair seasoning blends
Food trends come and go, but some ingredients stand the test of time—and right now, tamarind is having a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Known for its tangy, sweet-sour flavour, tamarind has been used for centuries in cuisines from India, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Today, it’s trending on foodie platforms for its bold taste, versatility, and potential health benefits.
If you’ve seen tamarind popping up in sauces, marinades, or even cocktails, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll explore:
🌿 Why tamarind is trending in 2025
💪 Its health benefits and nutrient profile
🍴 How to use tamarind in everyday cooking
🥘 3 delicious recipes with A Spice Affair seasonings
🌟 Why Tamarind is Trending Now
Tamarind’s popularity has grown thanks to:
Global flavours on the rise → People are exploring international cuisines more than ever. Tamarind is a staple in Indian chutneys, Mexican candies, Thai pad Thai, and Middle Eastern stews.
Plant-forward diets → Tamarind’s natural tanginess adds depth without relying on heavy fats or excess salt.
Versatility → Works in sweet, savoury, and even cocktail recipes. From BBQ sauces to curries, tamarind adapts beautifully.
Platforms like Pinterest and TikTok show rising searches for “tamarind sauce,” “tamarind cocktails,” and “tamarind curry”, proving it’s more than just a pantry curiosity—it’s a trending superstar.
💪 Health Benefits of Tamarind
Tamarind isn’t just tasty—it brings science-backed health benefits:
Rich in antioxidants → Tamarind pulp contains polyphenols that help reduce oxidative stress.
Supports digestion → Traditionally used as a gentle digestive aid, thanks to its fiber and tartaric acid content.
Natural source of magnesium → A key mineral for nerve and muscle health.
Anti-inflammatory potential → Studies suggest tamarind may help reduce inflammation due to its phytochemicals.
✨ In short: tamarind can be part of a balanced diet that supports gut health, digestion, and overall vitality.
🍴 How to Cook with Tamarind
Paste → The most common form (thick, dark, tangy). Add to sauces, curries, or marinades.
Concentrate → A stronger, reduced version (use sparingly).
Whole pods → Often soaked in water and strained for a fresh pulp.
Pair tamarind with warm spices like cumin, coriander, chili, and cinnamon for depth. It balances beautifully with sweetness (honey, sugar, maple syrup) and creaminess (coconut milk, yogurt, or butter sauces).
🥘 3 Recipes with A Spice Affair Seasonings
Here are three ways you can combine tamarind with A Spice Affair’s trending blends to create bold, restaurant-quality dishes at home.
🍛 Recipe 1: Tamarind Butter Chicken (or Tofu) Curry with A Spice Affair’s Butter Chicken Seasoning
Meta Description (SEO): Discover a tangy twist on the classic Butter Chicken! This Tamarind Butter Chicken (or Tofu) Curry uses A Spice Affair’s Butter Chicken Seasoning and tamarind paste for a rich, flavourful, plant-forward or traditional dish.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or firm tofu, cubed
2 tbsp Butter Chicken Seasoning (A Spice Affair)
1 tbsp tamarind paste
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
1 tbsp oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate chicken or tofu in Butter Chicken Seasoning for 10–15 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan. Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and the ginger.
Add marinated chicken/tofu and sear until lightly golden.
Stir in tamarind paste, coating well.
Pour in the coconut milk and simmer until thickened and cooked through.
Adjust seasoning, garnish with cilantro, and serve.
🥔 Recipe 2: Tamarind Batata Harra Potatoes with A Spice Affair’s Batata Harra Seasoning
Crispy roasted potatoes meet tangy tamarind in this easy Tamarind Batata Harra recipe. A zesty side dish made with A Spice Affair’s Batata Harra Seasoning for bold Middle Eastern flavours.
Ingredients
3–4 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
2 tbsp Batata Harra Seasoning (A Spice Affair)
1 tbsp tamarind paste
Juice of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss potatoes with oil, Batata Harra Seasoning, and garlic.
Roast 25–30 minutes, turning halfway until golden and crispy.
Mix tamarind paste with lemon juice and a splash of water.
Drizzle tamarind mixture over roasted potatoes, toss gently.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
🌶️ Recipe 3: Smoky Chipotle Tamarind BBQ Sauce with A Spice Affair’s Smoky Chipotle Seasoning
This Smoky Chipotle Tamarind BBQ Sauce is bold, tangy, and addictive! Made with A Spice Affair’s Smoky Chipotle Seasoning, it’s perfect for glazing, dipping, or marinating.
Ingredients
½ cup ketchup or tomato sauce
2 tbsp Smoky Chipotle Seasoning (A Spice Affair)
1 tbsp tamarind paste
2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
Water, as needed
Instructions
Heat saucepan over medium heat, sauté garlic for 1 minute.
Stir in ketchup, Smoky Chipotle Seasoning, tamarind paste, sugar, and vinegar.
Simmer 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Thin with water if needed.
Taste and adjust: more tamarind for tang, sugar for sweetness, chipotle for heat.
Use as a glaze, dipping sauce, or BBQ marinade.
🌿 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for ways to expand your flavour horizons, tamarind is an ingredient worth exploring. Its tangy, slightly sweet notes not only elevate everyday dishes but also provide digestive benefits, antioxidants, and gut-friendly compounds. Whether you’re making a comforting curry, a zesty potato side, or a bold BBQ sauce, tamarind pairs beautifully with a wide variety of spices.
👉 As an Ambassador with A Spice Affair, I can connect you with the exact spice blends featured in these recipes so you can bring these creations to life in your own kitchen. Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to help you stock your pantry with the right tools for flavour and wellness.
🥄 Stirring up goodness,
Laura Grannary
The Pantry Planner
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