Latin American > Mexican > Mexican Desserts

Pastillas de Tamarindo Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup tamarind pulp
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Special Equipment Needed:
- Parchment paper
- Candy thermometer

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the tamarind pulp and stir until well combined.
2. Add the condensed milk, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Increase the heat to medium and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and forms a ball. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into balls.
6. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until they are coated evenly.
7. Place the sugar-coated balls on a parchment-lined tray and let them cool completely.
8. Once the pastillas have cooled, wrap them in individual pieces of parchment paper.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Low heat and medium heat
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 20-25 pastillas.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 60mg
Sugar: 18g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for coating.
- You can use margarine instead of butter.
- You can use almond extract instead of vanilla extract.

Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts to the mixture for added crunch.
- You can add a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.
- You can add lemon or lime juice for a tangy flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from burning.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the mixture.
- If the mixture is too sticky, add more powdered sugar.
- If the mixture is too dry, add more condensed milk.

Storage Instructions:
Store the pastillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating Instructions:
There is no need to reheat the pastillas. Simply unwrap and enjoy!

Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the pastillas on a platter and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation.

Garnishes:
You can garnish the pastillas with a small piece of tamarind or a sprig of mint.

Pairings:
Pastillas de Tamarindo pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Suggested Side Dishes:
These pastillas are perfect as a sweet snack on their own.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the mixture is too runny, continue cooking until it thickens.
- If the mixture is too hard, add more condensed milk.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling the ingredients.

Food History:
Pastillas de Tamarindo is a traditional Filipino sweet made from tamarind pulp, sugar, and condensed milk.

Flavor Profiles:
These pastillas have a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of saltiness.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve these pastillas as a sweet snack or dessert.

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Region: Mexican

Taste: Sweet, Sour, Tangy, Spicy