Spicy Tamarind Caramel Recipe

Directions

Crack the shells from the tamarind and de-vein as much as possible. Discard shells and place pulp in a medium saucepan with 3 cups of water. Bring pulp and water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Allow to simmer, covered, 45 minutes to 1 hour, until pods are completely broken down and you can see the glossy tamarind seeds throughout the mixture. Remove from heat and pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, stirring to separate the pulp dissolved in the liquid from that still clinging to the seeds. Return the pulpy seeds to the pan and add 1 cup fresh water. Once again, bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, this time for 15-20 minutes. Strain into the bowl with the first round of pulp. You should have about 2 1/4 cups. Discard seeds and rinse out saucepan. Spread one cup of sugar in an even layer on the bottom of saucepan and place over medium heat Cook undisturbed until sugar begins to melt and takes on a golden color. Carefully, as the mixture will bubble furiously, add the liquid tamarind pulp and whisk together. Cook about ten minutes until the mixture appears glossy and reaches 223 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in cayenne pepper and salt. Allow to cool, pour into a jar and store in the refrigerator.