Refreshing Mexican Paletas de Tamarindo
These homemade tamarind popsicles offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart, delivering a refreshing and authentic Mexican treat that’s easy to make and perfect for hot days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup tamarind paste
- 3 cups water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: chili powder or Tajín for sprinkling after freezing
- Optional: fresh mint leaves for blending in
Instructions
- In a blender, combine 1/2 cup tamarind paste with 3 cups of water. Blend on high for about 1 minute until smooth.
- Pour the tamarind blend through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove any leftover fibers or seeds. Use a spatula to press the pulp against the mesh for maximum juice extraction.
- Stir in 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt until the sugar fully dissolves. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as desired.
- Carefully fill popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Insert sticks and tap molds gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Freeze the molds on a flat surface for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- To unmold, briefly dip molds in warm water for 10 seconds, then gently pull on the sticks and serve.
Notes
Straining the tamarind mixture is essential for a smooth texture without seeds or pulp chunks. Adjust sugar to taste to balance tamarind’s tartness. Freeze on a flat surface for best shape. Optional add-ins include chili powder, Tajín, fresh mint, or fruit purees for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 paleta (popsicle)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 15
- Carbohydrates: 18
Keywords: paletas, tamarind popsicles, Mexican dessert, homemade popsicles, summer treats, tamarind recipe, refreshing dessert