Key facts
| Hindi name | Imli |
|---|---|
| Also called | Puli (Tamil) |
| Flavour | Tangy, fruity and slightly sweet. |
| Heat | No heat |
| Sold as | Pulp block, paste, concentrate |
| Storage | Blocks keep for a year; paste in the fridge once opened. |
| Best substitute | Lime juice with a little brown sugar, or kokum. |
| Used in | 2 of our dishes |
How to use it
Gives sambar, rasam, pulihora and sweet chutney their sour taste.
- Soak a lime-sized ball of pulp in warm water and squeeze out the juice.
Substitute
Lime juice with a little brown sugar, or kokum.
Storage
Blocks keep for a year; paste in the fridge once opened.
Tamarind pods grow on large trees and were brought to India from Africa long ago.
Pairs well with
Dishes that use tamarind
Frequently asked questions
What is tamarind called in Hindi?
Imli. Also known as Puli (Tamil).
What can I use instead of tamarind?
Lime juice with a little brown sugar, or kokum.
How long does tamarind keep?
Blocks keep for a year; paste in the fridge once opened.
Tips from travellers
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Questions from readers
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