Agua de Tamarindo

• 10 ounces tamarind pods (about 10 large pods)
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup sugar, or more if needed

1. Peel the tamarind pods by hand and discard the outer shell.
2. Its okay if there are still little bits of shell stuck to the flesh, as the beverage will be strained.
3. Put the tamarind flesh in a saucepan, seeds and all.
4. Add the water, place over medium heat, and bring to a boil.
5. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pulp is very soft, about 45 minutes.
6. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing the solids with the back of a wooden spoon to extract as much liquid and tamarind pulp as possible.
7. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves.
8. Taste and add a little more sugar if you like.
9. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled.
10. Serve over ice.

tamarind pods, water, sugar

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/agua-de-tamarindo-379463 (may not work)