Direction
Steps 1
Gather the ingredients.
Steps 2
In a medium bowl, cover tapioca with 1 cup water.
Steps 3
Let soak for 15 to 20 minutes or until the granules expand slightly. Avoid over-soaking or the tapioca will not be able to hold its shape.
Steps 4
Pour off excess water.
Steps 5
In a pot with a lid, combine tapioca, salt, and the remaining 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Steps 6
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally, adding a little more water if necessary to prevent tapioca from bubbling and "spitting."
Steps 7
When the tapioca turns soft and a little gooey, turn off the heat and place the lid on tight. Let it sit at least 10 minutes. The residual heat inside the tapioca will finish turning all of the seeds soft and translucent.
Steps 8
Remove the lid and allow the tapioca to cool on the stovetop.
Steps 9
Cover it again and refrigerate until it's cold; it will thicken and gel together.
Steps 10
To serve, scoop about 1/4 cup or more of the cold tapioca per person and place in serving glasses or bowls.
Steps 11
Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup coconut milk over each portion and stir to mix. This pudding should be on the runny side and you will have to stir it well to distribute the tapioca.
Steps 12
Add a little syrup to each portion (about 1 tablespoon or to taste). Each person can add more according to their preferred sweetness.
Steps 13
Add slices of fresh mango or any tropical fresh fruit, if desired.
Steps 14
Prep: 5 mins Cook: 25 mins Soak and Chill Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Total: 3 hrs Servings: 4 servings Tips: - When buying tapioca, look for the "seed" type of tapioca. It can be found in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. You also can use pearl tapioca, which is often available at Asian grocery stores. Avoid "minute tapioca" which is basically tapioca starch (powder). If you happen to buy the larger pearls, they will take longer to cook and may require more water. - Use runny coconut milk for this dish. To test a can, shake it. If you can hear liquid sloshing around, it will work. For an even lighter dessert, use "lite" coconut milk. Nutrition Facts (per serving): 256 Calories 20g Fat 20g Carbs 2g Protein (Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
