Question

I don't have tamarind paste. What can I use as a substitute for sourness in a Sambar or Pad Thai?

Answer 1

For sourness in Sambar or Pad Thai, substitute tamarind paste with a mixture of lime juice and brown sugar, or use white vinegar with a touch of sugar. Adjust the quantities to taste.

Detailed Explanation:

Tamarind paste provides a unique sweet and sour flavor that is essential in dishes like Sambar and Pad Thai. When you don't have tamarind paste, you need to replicate both the sourness and the slight sweetness. Here's how you can do it:

1. Lime Juice and Brown Sugar: This is a great substitute because lime juice provides the sourness, and brown sugar adds a touch of molasses-like sweetness, similar to tamarind. Start with equal parts lime juice and brown sugar (e.g., 1 tablespoon of each for every tablespoon of tamarind paste). Mix them well and taste. Adjust the ratio to achieve the desired balance of sweet and sour.
2. White Vinegar and Sugar: White vinegar offers a clean, sharp sourness. To mimic the complexity of tamarind, add a small amount of sugar (white or brown) to the vinegar. Begin with a ratio of 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for every tablespoon of tamarind paste. Taste and adjust as needed.
3. Other Options: In a pinch, you can also use lemon juice (similar to lime juice), or even a small amount of amchur powder (dried mango powder) if you have it on hand. However, lime juice and brown sugar or white vinegar and sugar are the closest matches.
4. Adjust to Taste: Remember that these are substitutes, and the flavor won't be exactly the same. Taste your dish frequently as you add the substitute and adjust the quantities to achieve the desired level of sourness and sweetness.

Pro Tip:

When using lime juice or vinegar as a substitute, add it gradually towards the end of the cooking process. Overcooking these ingredients can make the sourness too intense and alter the overall flavor profile of your dish.

Answer 2

For sourness in Sambar or Pad Thai, substitute tamarind paste with a mixture of lime juice and brown sugar, or use white vinegar with a touch of sugar. Adjust the quantities to taste.

Detailed Explanation:

Tamarind paste provides a unique sweet and sour flavor that is essential in dishes like Sambar and Pad Thai. When you don't have tamarind paste, you need to replicate both the sourness and the slight sweetness. Here's how you can do it:

1. Lime Juice and Brown Sugar: This is a great substitute because lime juice provides the sourness, and brown sugar adds a touch of molasses-like sweetness, similar to tamarind. Start with equal parts lime juice and brown sugar (e.g., 1 tablespoon of each for every tablespoon of tamarind paste). Mix them well and taste. Adjust the ratio to achieve the desired balance of sweet and sour.
2. White Vinegar and Sugar: White vinegar offers a clean, sharp sourness. To mimic the complexity of tamarind, add a small amount of sugar (white or brown) to the vinegar. Begin with a ratio of 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for every tablespoon of tamarind paste. Taste and adjust as needed.
3. Other Options: In a pinch, you can also use lemon juice (similar to lime juice), or even a small amount of amchur powder (dried mango powder) if you have it on hand. However, lime juice and brown sugar or white vinegar and sugar are the closest matches.
4. Adjust to Taste: Remember that these are substitutes, and the flavor won't be exactly the same. Taste your dish frequently as you add the substitute and adjust the quantities to achieve the desired level of sourness and sweetness.

Pro Tip:

When using lime juice or vinegar as a substitute, add it gradually towards the end of the cooking process. Overcooking these ingredients can make the sourness too intense and alter the overall flavor profile of your dish.