Tamarind Recado

FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE & CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD

A recado is a traditional spice paste of Mexico’s Yucatan region. This one gets luscious tang from tamarind paste, available in many supermarkets today, but also a standard ingredient at Mexican, Latin American, and Indian markets. The tamarind also adds a fruity note, enhanced by tomatoes and a bit of honey. This makes enough for a young goat, a leg of lamb, a veal breast, or a venison loin. All benefit from the sweet-sour accent.

Tamarind Recado is a tantalizing blend of traditional and contemporary flavors that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. This versatile paste combines the richness of tamarind with smoky chipotle chiles, creating a dynamic condiment that adds depth and character to your dishes. Whether you’re grilling meat or enhancing the flavors of a hearty stew, Tamarind Recado brings a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes to your culinary creations.

The Tamarind Recado pays homage to the traditions of Mexican cuisine while embracing modern flavors. Its versatility makes it an essential component in your culinary arsenal, adding a burst of excitement to your meals with just a dollop of this delectable paste.

MAKES: ABOUT 2½ CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 medium plum tomatoes
• ½ medium onion, thickly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• ¾ cup tamarind paste
• ¾ cup very hot water
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar or mild-flavored honey
• 2 canned chipotle chiles in adobo, plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the can
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil or sunflower oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a silicone mat or a piece of foil on a baking sheet to make cleanup easier.
2. Roast the Ingredients: Arrange the whole plum tomatoes, onion slices, and peeled garlic cloves on the baking sheet. Roast the ingredients, turning them once, until they have partially softened and gained some charred color. This should take about 15 minutes. The tomatoes’ skin should be blackened and blistered, and the onion slices should show signs of browning.
3. Blend the Recado: Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a blender. Add the tamarind paste, very hot water, agave nectar (or honey), chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, vegetable oil, and salt. Blend until the mixture turns into a smooth paste. The combination of tamarind’s tartness, chipotle’s smokiness, and honey’s sweetness creates a dynamic and flavorful profile.
4. Ready to Use: Your Tamarind Recado is now ready to enhance your dishes. It can be used immediately or stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Marinades: Rub the Tamarind Recado paste onto lean meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef, to infuse them with its unique blend of flavors. Allow the marinated meat to rest in the refrigerator for several hours or even overnight for a deep and complex taste.
• Grilling: Brush the paste onto meat, poultry, or vegetables before grilling to create a beautiful caramelized glaze that combines sweet, tangy, and smoky notes.
• Sauces and Stews: Incorporate the Tamarind Recado into sauces, soups, or stews to add layers of flavor. Its bold profile can elevate the taste of even the simplest dishes.
• Dipping Sauce: Dilute the paste slightly with water or citrus juice to create a zesty dipping sauce for grilled items or appetizers.