Bolas de tamarindo are a traditional Guatemalan sweet made from tamarind pulp mixed with sugar, forming small sweet-and-tart candy balls.
It’s a very popular treat among children and adults for its combination of tart and sweet flavor, commonly sold in markets and outside schools.
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Guatemalan Tamarind Candy Balls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Guatemalan
Ingredients
- 300 g of tamarind pulp, seeded (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 cup of sugar
- to taste of extra sugar, for coating
- to taste of salt or chili powder (optional) (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pulp, if the tamarind has seeds, remove them and break up the pulp well.
- Mix, combine the tamarind pulp with the sugar until you get a smooth paste.
- Season, if desired, add a pinch of salt or chili powder for a flavor contrast.
- Shape the balls, with your hands, shape small balls from the tamarind paste.
- Coat, roll each ball in extra sugar until fully coated.
- Serve, serve right away or store in an airtight container.
Tips for getting it right
- Removing all the tamarind seeds well is essential for a smooth texture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on the tartness of the tamarind pulp, which can vary.
- Chili powder is a popular addition that gives the balls a distinctive spicy touch.
- Coating them well in sugar keeps the balls from sticking together when stored.
Traditional variations
- It’s a very popular treat among children, commonly sold outside Guatemalan schools.
- Some versions include chili powder or salt, following the tradition of combining sweet and spicy.
How to serve
Bolas de tamarindo are served at room temperature, as a treat.
They’re a very popular sweet in markets and outside schools in Guatemala.
Recommended sides
- None, eaten on its own
Did you know?
Tamarind is a tart fruit widely used in sweets and drinks throughout Central America.
The combination of tamarind with chili and salt is a tradition shared with other Mexican and Central American sweets.
Frequently Asked Questions
They're a traditional Guatemalan sweet made from tamarind pulp mixed with sugar, forming small sweet-and-tart balls.
Yes, adding chili powder is a popular variant that gives the balls a distinctive spicy contrast.
They're a very popular sweet sold in markets and outside schools in Guatemala.
They keep well in an airtight container, kept from sticking together thanks to the sugar coating.
