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These homemade tamarind straws are a simple yet spectacular way to elevate any beverage. Ditch the boring straws and get creative with your next tropical smoothie or mangonada! Dive into the delicious world of tamarind sticks (aka: straws), guaranteed to add a zesty kick to your next blend.
Why these Tamarind Straws Rawk
- Unique flavor: The combination of tangy tamarind, sweet date, and zesty-spicy Tajín is an explosion of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Fun and festive: They add a playful and exciting element to any drink, making them perfect for parties or just a little everyday indulgence.
- Easy to make: With just three main ingredients and a few simple steps, anyone can create these flavorful straws.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness and spice level to your liking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple tamarind stick recipe uses just a few ingredients and takes mere minutes to whip up. Get ready to transform any ordinary beverage into a spectacular adventure in each sip!
- Date syrup (for a touch of natural sweetness and stickiness)
- Tamarind paste (the star of the show, bringing that signature tang)
- Tajín seasoning (the perfect blend of chili, lime, and salt for a spicy-citrusy finish)
- Your choice of straws (paper, metal, or reusable plastic all work great!)
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How to Make Homemade Tamarind Straws
I was honestly shocked at how easy these were to make AND how delicious they were. Follow along to make your own tamarind straws for your next party and wow your friends!
Mix it Up: In your small bowl, combine the date syrup and tamarind paste. Stir them together thoroughly until you have a smooth, slightly sticky mixture. The date syrup helps to balance the tartness of the tamarind and acts as a natural adhesive.
Coat Your Straw: Hold your straw like a stick and carefully coat the top third with the tamarind paste mixture. Don’t go too high up the straw – you want a comfortable place to hold it without getting sticky fingers.
Roll in the Goodness: Now for the magic! Pour a generous amount of Tajín seasoning onto your plate or shallow dish. Take the coated end of your straw and gently roll it in the Tajín, ensuring it’s completely covered in the vibrant red spice. Press lightly to help the Tajín adhere to the tamarind paste.
Wait 20 minutes: While you “can” use your tamarind straws immediately, letting them sit for a few minutes can help the Tajín adhere even better. Pop into a smoothie or a Mexican mangonada.
Tips and Tricks for Tamarind Stick Success
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter straw, feel free to add a little more date syrup. You could also experiment with adding coconut sugar to the Tajín seasoning.
- Spice it up (or down): If you’re not a huge fan of spice, you can use a milder chili powder or even a blend of salt and lime zest instead of Tajín. For the adventurous, try a spicier chili blend!
- Straw selection matters: While any straw will work, paper straws might become a little soggy if left in a drink for a very long time. Metal or reusable plastic straws are great for durability.
- Make ahead: You can prepare these tamarind straws a little in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be aware that the Tajín might absorb some moisture over time.
Drinks to use with Tamarind Straws
Ready to give these tamarind straws a try? Let me know what you think in the comments below. Make sure to include what drinks you’ll be pairing with your tangy and spicy sticks! Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Homemade Tamarind Straws
Jen HansardIngredients
- 1 tablespoon date syrup
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 4 tablespoon Tajín
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the date syrup and tamarind paste until smooth.
- Coat the top third of each straw with the mixture, leaving room to hold it cleanly.
- Spread the Tajín on a plate and roll the coated end in it, pressing gently so it sticks.
- Let sit for 20 minutes to set before using in a smoothie or mangonada.
Recipe Notes
- Texture Tip: If the tamarind mixture is too thick to spread, stir in a few drops of water. If it’s too thin to hold the Tajín, stir in a little more tamarind paste.
- Straw Tip: Use sturdy plastic or reusable straws; paper straws can soften where the coating sits.
- Make Ahead: Make the straws up to 1 day ahead and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Store any extra tamarind mixture in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
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Is there a link to the white metal straw that you used? It’s super cute. I def want to try this because I looooove tajin and smoothies.
Hi Tracy! We used to sell those in our Shop, yet don’t anymore.