Tamarind

Tamarind is a souring agent that lends a very distinctive flavour to curries and stews. It’s sold in several forms and can be found in major supermarkets as well as in Asian, Spanish and Middle Eastern grocers. I prefer to use block rather than concentrate tamarind, since it’s nearly identical to fresh pods but easier to use because you don’t have to break it out of its shell. It’s also more tart and flavoursome.