Desserts

Crème de tamarin (kremas tamawen)

A creamy dessert with the sweet-tangy taste of tamarind, made with milk and vanilla. Its brown colour and velvety texture make it an original and refreshing dessert.

30 min
4 servings
Medium
Budget-friendly
🇭🇹 Haiti

Made it? Rate this recipe

Save to favorites Add to my shopping list

Instructions

Soak the tamarind pulp in 150 ml of hot water for 15 minutes, then mash it with a fork and pass everything through a sieve to get a smooth paste.
In a saucepan, mix the milk, sugar and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat without boiling.
Dissolve the cornflour in 3 tablespoons of cold milk, then add it to the hot milk while whisking.
Add the tamarind paste and let it thicken for 5 to 8 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly.
Off the heat, stir in the vanilla, then divide the cream among 4 small dishes.
Let cool, then refrigerate for 2 hours. Sprinkle with cinnamon and coconut before serving.

Variations and tips

Spiced version. Add a pinch of ground ginger with the vanilla to boost the flavour.

Using what's available. Tamarind pulp can be found in Asian or African grocery shops; failing that, lemon juice mixed with molasses mimics its tangy taste.