Tamarind Candy Recipe: Spicy and Sweet Homemade Treat Recipe
Introduction
Tamarind candy is a tangy, sweet, and spicy treat that’s perfect as a mouth freshener or a unique snack. Made with tamarind, dates, and jaggery, this traditional delight balances flavors beautifully for a refreshing bite.

Ingredients
- 100 gram tamarind (seedless)
- 80 gram dates (khajoor)
- 2 cup hot water
- 100 gram jaggery
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the tamarind and dates. Pour in the hot water and soak for 30 minutes to soften.
- Step 2: Transfer the soaked tamarind and dates to a blender and blend until you get a smooth paste.
- Step 3: Strain the blended mixture through a sieve to ensure it is smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Pour the strained tamarind-date mixture into a large pan (kadai). Add jaggery and cook on medium heat.
- Step 5: Stir continuously and cook until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Step 6: Add chili powder, chaat masala, cumin powder, salt, and ghee to the pan.
- Step 7: Mix well and continue cooking on medium flame until the mixture thickens further and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
- Step 8: Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely; it will firm up into a dough-like consistency.
- Step 9: Scoop a teaspoon of the mixture and wrap it tightly in cling wrap to form individual candies.
- Step 10: Enjoy your tamarind candy as a mouth freshener or a tasty toffee after meals.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder spice, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely to suit your taste.
- Replace jaggery with brown sugar if jaggery is unavailable, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
- Store the candy wrappers in an airtight container to prevent sticking.
Storage
Keep the wrapped tamarind candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They can also be refrigerated to extend freshness. When ready to eat, bring them to room temperature for best texture. No reheating is needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use tamarind paste instead of whole tamarind?
Yes, you can use tamarind paste. Adjust the quantity to match the intensity of flavor, and reduce added water since paste is more concentrated.
Is it possible to make this candy vegan?
Absolutely. Simply substitute ghee with a vegan butter or coconut oil to keep it vegan-friendly without compromising the taste.
Print
Tamarind Candy Recipe: Spicy and Sweet Homemade Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 small candies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This tangy and sweet Tamarind Candy is a traditional Indian treat made from tamarind, dates, and jaggery, blended with spices like chili powder and chaat masala. The candy offers a perfect balance of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a delightful mouth freshener or a toffee-like snack after meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 100 gram tamarind (seedless)
- 80 gram dates (khajoor)
- 2 cup hot water
- 100 gram jaggery
Spices and Additives
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
Instructions
- Soak Tamarind and Dates: In a large bowl, combine 100 grams of seedless tamarind and 80 grams of dates. Pour 2 cups of hot water over them and soak for 30 minutes to soften the ingredients.
- Blend Mixture: Transfer the soaked tamarind and dates along with the soaking water into a blender (mixi jar). Blend until it forms a smooth paste.
- Strain Paste: Pour the blended mixture through a fine strainer to remove any fibrous bits, ensuring the resulting liquid is smooth and creamy.
- Cook with Jaggery: Transfer the strained tamarind-date mixture into a large kadai (heavy-bottomed pan). Add 100 grams of jaggery and place on medium flame. Stir and cook until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Add Spices and Ghee: To the thickening mixture, add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of chaat masala, ½ teaspoon of cumin powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ghee. Mix thoroughly.
- Cook to Dough Consistency: Continue cooking on medium flame, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens further and starts to leave the sides of the pan, forming a firm dough-like consistency.
- Cool Down: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely. Once cooled, the mixture will be firm and ready for shaping.
- Shape Candy: Take a teaspoon of the cooled mixture and wrap it in cling wrap tightly to form small tamarind candy pieces.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy these imli candies as a flavorful mouth freshener after meals or as a sweet and tangy toffee snack.
Notes
- Ensure the tamarind is seedless for easier blending and smoother texture.
- Adjust chili powder according to your spice tolerance.
- Use fresh jaggery for best flavor; brown sugar can be substituted but will alter taste slightly.
- Store the candies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
- Wrap each piece in cling wrap to prevent drying out and for convenient serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: tamarind candy, imli candy, Indian sweets, tamarind toffee, homemade candy, tangy sweet snack

