4 replies to this topic

[lindag]

I caught a Michael Symon recipe on "The Chew" last week for Pad Thai.
He used Tamarind. I'd NEVER be able to find this ingredient anywhere near where I live.
Is it worth special ordering? Or is there some adequate substitute?

Linda

[Panaderia Canadiense]

There is no substitute for fresh tamarind, unfortunately (based on my own searches in Canada until I finally did the sane thing and moved to the tropics). If you're serious about Thai, Indian, or South American cooking, it's worth ordering a pound or so, but I'd honestly start searching the ethnic markets. If you're in western Montana, try going to Helena and looking in the asian grocery (they had one 15 or so years ago when I visited, and it's likely still there) - they're almost certain to have at least the paste if not packaged shelled meat with seeds in it.

Of course, if you do find a pack with seeds, save them out and plant them. A tamarind tree can be kept as a houseplant in a largeish pot, and will start blooming and fruiting in about its third or fourth year.

[NancyH]

You can also get tamarind already processed into a useable paste. If you don't have any Asian groceries near you, look online.

[Shalmanese]

Virtually any asian grocery store, no matter how small should have the paste. If not, Amazon has paste for $10 or fresh tamarind for $15. You can also get it jars which are more convenient but I don't like the flavor as much.

Edited by Shalmanese, 05 August 2012 - 10:29 AM.

[Baylee Chocolate Lady]

I have found it at Hispanic stores as well,