In India and Indonesia, tamarind is used to make curries, savory pasta and the classic tamarind sauce. Tamarind is also added to hot soups and rice dishes. Tamarind has a sweet aroma and a sour-fruity taste similar to plum jam. Soak the paste in the warm water for 5 minutes. Squeeze the seeds and fiber with your fingers to extract as much juice and flavor as possible. Strain and discard fibers.