Tsamiya (Tamarind) Juice – How to make tamarind juice

Tsamiya juice is a popular drink in the Northern part of Nigeria. It is made with Tamarind, a fruit which is very similar to the tasty black velvet tamarind snack known locally as licky licky. Some recipes call for tamarind juice to be used as a flavor enhancer while in other cases, tamarind juice can be drunk as a laxative and cleanser. It’s really popular with the Northerners here in Nigeria.
Outside Nigeria, it’s used in most Asian, Latino, Caribbean, Thai and Malaysian cuisines. Today’s recipe was adopted from “UmmiBee” a lovely reader who loves food as well. According to UmmiBee ; 

“I use tsamiiya to make Kunun tsamiya (Tamarind Pap) it’s one of the best Kunus ever and it is served warm. Then I also make tamarind juice with water and sugar or honey. That’s an amazing laxative and cleanser. I also use it when I’m working on Thai or Malay cuisines. For tamarind juice I use 80 grams of tamarind in 2 L of boiling water. Simmer together for 20 minutes, then sweeten with honey or sugar to taste. Serve chilled. That’s it. I find it best to serve when cold. Warm tamarind will have a worse laxative effect. But cold tamarind will still cleanse you but won’t cause diarrhea.“ – UmmiBee Loves Food

Step 1: In a kettle, bring the water to a boil. Remove the brown shell from the tamarind to expose the pulp and place the tamarind pulp in a heatproof mixing bowl. Pour boiling water over the tamarind, cover and allow to sit for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you could place the tamarind in a pot, add the water and boil for 20 minutes. Leave to cool completely then work into the pulp with your hand to separate seeds from the pulp. Once done, strain with a strainer.

Step 2: Dilute the juice with more water and add sugar or honey to taste. Refrigerate and serve chilled.For a different variation, you can add cinnamon, vanilla or grated ginger to enhance the taste.

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