Ginger And Tamarind Refresher Recipes

Steps:

• Break up tamarind with your fingers into a small heavy saucepan. Add 2 cups water and simmer, stirring occasionally and breaking up tamarind as it softens, 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 15 minutes. Strain through sieve into a bowl, pressing on and then discarding solids.
• Whisk together ginger syrup, tamarind purée, remaining 5 cups water, and kosher salt in a large pitcher. Chill until cold.
• Stir drink (it will separate as it stands), then pour into glasses filled two-thirds with ice. Top off with soda water.

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the tamarind liquid and water. When the mixture comes to a boil, remove from the heat.
• Whisk in the sugar and fish sauce, starting out with the smaller amounts. Taste and add additional sugar or fish sauce to create a tart, spicy, sweet, savory sauce. Set aside, uncovered, to cool to room temperature and to let the flavors bloom.
• Before serving, taste again and adjust the flavor balance a final time. Transfer to a serving bowl or divide the sauce among individual dipping sauce bowls. If all the diners like chile heat, add the chile slices to the bowl(s). If not, serve the chile slices on the side for diners to add as desired.