A Mystery Ingredient Spells Comfort

A Rich Pudding Of Tropical Wonder

I enjoyed tapioca pudding so much as a child, yet never wondering what this exotic root was doing as a dessert.

Now I grow “cassava” in my garden. It’s a beauty to look at, too. Tapioca is a thickening agent in a flour form. As a pudding you want to buy the pearls, the smallest pearls are best. I tweaked a box recipe many times to get this balance of texture, creaminess, and just a slight sweetness.

Tapioca pudding mates well with many toppings- use your imagination! I love to dab on a spoon of jam or marmalade and sprinkle on nuts.

I’m a lover of cardamom and it beautifully spices this dessert. Consider any of the other “cookie” spices: allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or a blend. Coconut milk offers an additional thick and creamy texture when serving tapioca pudding cold.

INGREDIENTS: If using plant based milk, make it rich and creamy 

• coconut milk- 2 cups, [one can], or milk or plant milk
• half ’n’ half- 1 cup, [or 3 cups total of a full fat beverage]
• salt- 1/4 tsp
• tapioca pearls- 2/3 cup, small granules [not powder]
• sugar- 3-4 TBS to taste [or brown sugar]
• raisins- 1/4 cup, [opt.]
• cardamom- 1/2 tsp ground, [or cinnamon, nutmeg]
• lime – zest and juice from one half
• vanilla- 1 tsp, after cooking is complete

LEFT: With a Sprig of Mint and Orange Marmalade. UR: At the Start of Simmering LR: At the 9 Minute Mark, There Should be a Slight Chew When Done

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small pot combine all but the vanilla and lime juice and zest
2. Let stand for 30 minutes, then bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes stirring occasionally—scraping the bottom of the pan to keep from burning, until tapioca is nearly translucent
3. Off heat stir in the vanilla and lime; adjust for sweetness
4. Cool, then refrigerate. Stir well before serving.

SERVING IDEAS: 

• Marmalade, jam, or lemon curd
• chopped nuts
• fresh or dried fruit
• candied ginger, minced
• Fresh mint

The cover photo includes star fruit with chopped walnuts

Recipe by B. Hettig