Tamarind, a spice that originates from Africa, India, and the Middle East, has been a key ingredient in Latin, Caribbean, and Mexican cuisines for centuries, thanks to its acidic and tangy-sweet flavor. In the 24th edition of McCormick's Flavor Forecast, a renowned annual report that highlights the latest culinary trends worldwide, tamarind takes the spotlight as the flavor to watch out for.
The report is a result of the collective expertise and passion of more than four dozen global chefs, culinary professionals, trend trackers, food technologists, and team members. They have identified tamarind as a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into both savory and sweet dishes, making it an exciting addition to any culinary repertoire.
Hadar Cohen Aviram, the executive chef of U.S. Consumer at McCormick, expresses enthusiasm about introducing people to the versatility and tang of tamarind. McCormick aims to inspire home chefs and foodies alike with their new Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Seasoning, as well as their collaboration with Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer on limited-edition, tamarind-infused menu items. Additionally, McCormick shares a recipe for Tamarind Lemon Pepper Lemonade, a refreshing twist on classic lemonade with a punchy flavor. For an extra touch, garnish the drink with ground black pepper on the rim to add a subtle finishing bite.
With tamarind's rising popularity and McCormick's innovative offerings, it's clear that this plump, pod-like fruit is making its mark on the global culinary scene, satisfying the curiosity of food enthusiasts worldwide.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
Lemon Pepper Syrup:
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup McCormick Coarse Ground Black Pepper, ground with mortar and pestle
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Lemon Extract
Lemon Pepper Sugar:
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon McCormick Coarse Ground Black Pepper
• 1 lemon, zest only
Tamarind Lemonade:
• 6 cups water
•3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 6 teaspoons tamarind paste
Instructions:
1. To make the Lemon Pepper Syrup, combine sugar, water, and black pepper in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat on high, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, remove from heat and let it steep for 15 minutes. Afterward, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Add lemon extract, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to use it.
2. For the Lemon Pepper Sugar, mix together sugar, black pepper, and lemon zest until there are no lumps left. Store this mixture in an airtight container until you're ready to use it.
3. Take a shallow bowl and pour 1 tablespoon of the Lemon Pepper Syrup into it. Dip the rims of 6 (10-ounce) glasses into the syrup, and then dip them into the Lemon Pepper Sugar to coat the rims. Fill the glasses halfway with ice and set them aside.
4. To prepare the Lemonade, whisk together water, the remaining Lemon Pepper Syrup, lemon juice, and tamarind concentrate in a large pitcher until everything is well blended. Pour this mixture into the prepared glasses. You can either refrigerate it until it's chilled or serve it immediately. If desired, garnish with fresh lemon wedges.
Need additional 2024 culinary inspiration? The report also identified these trends:
• The Power of Tartness: From tamarind to coconut vinegar, the use of acidic agents is transforming menus, tantalizing taste buds, and even enabling cooking without heat.
• A Thoughtful Tribute: Chefs are reinventing traditional regional cuisine, paying homage to their roots through innovative ingredients and techniques.
• Redefining Indulgence: Today, indulgence is all about evoking emotions and memories. This trend takes shape through "newstalgia," where brands and restaurants put a gourmet twist on childhood favorites, and "food maximalism," which layers flavors to create a sensory feast and cater to individual preferences.
According to Cohen Aviram, "There is an abundance of trends to explore, allowing us to continuously revolutionize the way people cook and enjoy their meals."
