Tamarind Tartlets

Introduction to Tamarind Tartlets

Tamarind tartlets are not only a delightful dessert but a unique fusion of sweet and tangy flavors that will excite any palate. The use of tamarind in desserts may be relatively novel in many parts of the world, but it has a longstanding history in Southeast Asian and Latin American cuisines.

Tamarind has been used for centuries throughout Asia and Africa. Initially, its tart and acidic properties made it a favorite in savory dishes and condiments. Over the years, the tangy fruit found its way into sweets, captivating those with a taste for the unexpected blend of sweet and sour.

The development of tamarind tartlets as a form of sweet pastry has been linked to the colonial Caribbean, where European pastry traditions merged with local and imported ingredients. Today, tamarind tartlets have garnered global popularity, appearing in pastry shops and bakeries with a new identity that balances tradition with innovation.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 4 tablespoons of cold water
• 1 cup of tamarind paste
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of cream
• 2 eggs, beaten

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition, until the dough comes together. Pat the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Tamarind Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the tamarind paste, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

In a small saucepan, gently warm the cream over low heat. Whisk the beaten eggs into the cream. Slowly add the egg-cream mixture to the tamarind mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.

Step 3: Assemble the Tartlets

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a round cutter, cut the dough into circles and fit them into individual tartlet pans.

Fill each tartlet shell with the tamarind filling. Be careful not to overfill as the mixture will rise slightly during baking.

Cooking Process

Place the tartlets on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before gently removing them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Enjoy Tamarind Tartlets

These tartlets are best enjoyed at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. The interplay of crisp pastry with the luscious, tangy-sweet tamarind filling offers a taste and textural delight that echoes both tradition and modernity.

Perfect for any occasion, these tamarind tartlets can be made smaller for a party setting or as a sophisticated dinner dessert paired with a dessert wine or coffee. Enjoy the balance of flavors and textures that only tamarind can bring to your table.