Tamarind Drink

Ingredients:

the pulp from several tamarind pods (seeds removed); about a cup or two
2 quarts of boiling water
sugar or honey to taste

variation: a half-teaspoon of vanilla extract can be added with the sugar.

Instructions:

In a teakettle bring the water to a boil. Place the tamarind pulp in a oven-proof mixing bowl or baking dish and pour the boiling water over the tamarind. Stir in the sugar or honey and cover. Allow the mixture to stand several for hours or overnight.

Strain the tamarind water through a strainer or clean cloth. Dilute with more water and add more sugar or honey to taste. Refrigerate the drink and serve over ice. As variations, a few spoonfuls of lime juice, cinnamon, or grated ginger may be combined with the tamarind pulp before the water is added.

This drink is great served with dishes from Eastern Africa.

Recipe from “The Congo CookBook.”