Tamarind and Date Agua FrescaMaren Caruso
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
1 pound tamarind pulp (with seeds)
18 pitted Medjool dates
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
Ingredient info: Tamarind pulp is sold frozen at Latin and Asian markets and in block form at Indian markets.
Preparation
Step 1
Combine tamarind, dates, and 2 1/2 quarts water in a medium pot and bring to a boil; simmer briskly, stirring often and mashing pulp and dates with the back of a spoon until they break down, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 2 hours.
Step 2
Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible (you should have about 4 cups).
Step 3
Transfer tamarind mixture to a pitcher. Stir in sugar and 3 cups water. Chill until cold.
Step 4
Fill glasses with ice. Divide agua fresca among glasses.
