Sweet and tart tamarind, contrasted with an exotic spice blend, balanced with spicy heat, complemented with notes of garlic, and fresh herbs. Complex and vibrant.

This tamarind-date sauce is inspired by Shidni, a delicious and irresistible Somali chutney usually reserved for special occasions such as feasts. Shidni has many variations but the base recipe usually calls for a combination of either tamarind and dates or tamarind and mangoes – seasoned with xawaash (a Somali spice blend).

In this version, sweet dates and tart tamarind are simmered for hours in a fragrant infusion of fresh ginger, garlic, bell peppers, and cilantro; then seasoned generously with an exotic spice blend that includes cardamom, cloves, and star anise. The result is a bold and tantalizing sauce that is slightly sweet, sour, savory, and spicy – all at once. It’s hard to resist!

A perfect substitute for enchilada or barbecue sauce, and makes the most delicious AfroBeats Pad Thai to rival any restaurant version.