Paletas de Tamarindo #SundaySupper #CincodeMayo


Before we get started on our Cinco de Mayo celebration, I want to take a moment to explain  my absence from the blog recently.  I know I haven't been hanging around here as much as we'd all like.  A lot of you have written in wondering where I've disappeared to.  I sincerely apologize for having disappeared without giving you any type of explanation.

The short and simple truth is that my suegro has been sick.  It's nothing deathly serious.  He suffers from severe depression and requires constant care.  My days have been spent looking after him, cooking for him, and making sure he takes his meds.  Little by little, he is getting better, even though he still has his bad days.  We've all had to make some adjustments, but I think we've finally settled into a routine.

So here I am ready to get back to doing what I love most...cooking & blogging.  And you know I can't resist a good fiesta, especially with my #SundaySupper amigos.

Today I'm sharing Paletas de Tamarindo.  They are a sweet, tangy, and super refreshing way to keep your cool at any fiesta.


Paletas de Tamarindo
(Tamarind Ice Pops)

Ingredients:
  • 8 to 10 oz. tamarind pods
  • 6 cups water 
  • 1-1/2 to 2 cups granulated sugar
Directions:
Peel the tamarind pods by removing the hard outer shell, the stems, and the strings.  If you have a hard time removing all that, don't worry, it'll all come lose once the tamarind has cooked.

In a medium saucepan, simmer the tamarind pods and the 6 cups of water for about 10 to 15 minutes.  This will soften the tamarind, making it easier to remove any shell, stems, or strings.  Using a potato masher, gently crush the tamarindo to break up the pulp.  Scoop out any seeds you see.  (I like to leave a few in there.)

Stir in the sugar; let tamarind juice cool to room temperature.

Pour the tamarind juice into plastic popsicle molds or small plastic cups.  (If using plastic cups, cover with aluminum foil and insert popsicle sticks in center of each foil-lined cup.  The aluminum foil helps to hold the popsicle sticks in place.)  Freeze for about 3 hours or until firm.  Enjoy!!!



For more festive recipes with a Mexican flair, be sure to check out what my #SundaySupper friends have cooked up!

Cinco de Mayo Appetizers & Sides {Aperitivos}:

Cinco de Mayo Main Dishes {Platos Principales}:

Cinco de Mayo Desserts {Postres}:

Cinco de Mayo Drinks {Bebidas}:

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20 comments

  1. How interesting. I love the flavor of tamarind but never thought of it in frozen treats. Nice recipe!

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  2. I'm so glad you are all okey, You've been missed!

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  3. Wow a major list of recipes - Gracias amiga! Hang-in there with your father-in-law - family is everything.

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  4. I hope your father-in-law continues to improve! :) With that being said, I must try tamarindo- there are 2 recipes involving it this week!

    http://thefoodiepatootie.com

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  5. What what a creative recipe! I love it!! perfect for Cinco De Mayo and a hot summer day!!

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  6. So pretty! So delicious. Love them!!

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  7. Fun and refreshing dessert option!

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  8. A very different popsicle - I love it!

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  9. Welcome back, Leslie! I love these popsicles but first I will have to figure out where to get tamarind pods :) Thank you so much for sharing! ~ Bea @ The Not So Cheesy Kitchen

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  10. Very sorry about your dad. Depression is difficult to deal with. Fortunately, he has the expectation of good, robust, healing food.

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  11. I'm glad your FIL is improving. I am dying for a taste of tamarind...I must check my international market so I can try your recipe!

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  12. Never realized how big tamarind was for Cinco de Mayo! These look so yummy too

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  13. As a newcomer to your blog, it feels a bit strange to comment on your father in law's situation but I just want you to know that I'm thinking of you and your family. Depression is a horrible, horrible illness and it's often not understood like other physical illnesses are. He's lucky to have your support. On a happier note, these pops look delicious. I've only ever tasted tamarind in paste-form, but the pods look really interesting! Thanks for sharing about both your life and the food of your hometown. Your blog is really lovely x

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  14. LOVE Tamarind....and that indescribable "citrus" flavor which seems present upon tasting! Question...I simply CANNOT FIND the pods in my local markets here in France...could I possibly use either pure Tamarind Paste (sold in rectangular blocks in the Asian épicerie) OR the Tamarind "for cooking" I have seen there as well (already pureed...seeds removed) sold in a white plastic tallish round container?...Thanks for any insight!...Loving your exquisite recipes and your generous sharing of them.

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  15. These pops sound like they have such a great flavor! I am sure they're perfect for a hot summer day as well.... I've never tried tamarind before - I'm intrigued!

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  16. So sorry to hear about your father-in-law. I've never tried making anything with tamarind before, so I'm bookmarking this for the future!

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  17. I am sorry to hear about your Father in Law. I hope he gets better soon. I have never experimented with Tamarind before! I must give these pops a try.

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  18. Leslie, what a fun blog you have. I have been introduced to you by Erika and Nicole here in LA. They both think you are great and had fun sharing your posts with me on a trip we recently took together. So glad to find you, Chef Louise

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  19. I'm glad you're blogging again, Leslie, but sorry to hear about your father in law. My dad struggled with depression for years so I know how devastating it is. I'm sure that having you there for him has been a huge help! As for these popsicles - I've never had tamarind before but these look crazy flavourful and refreshing. Wish I could grab one from my screen to try!

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