Mango Tapioca

  

I am thinking what recipe I can get from these ripe and sweet mangoes I have in the kitchen! I want something cold, creamy and easy to prepare dessert for this hot summer afternoon. Hmmmm...Yeah right! I'm speaking of mango tapioca recipe! I like!!

 

Tapioca is a starch substance in a form of hard white grains extracted from cassava. Some uses this in cooking puddings and other dishes. (source: Wikipedia). In the Philippines, this is commonly called as sago. We can see these lots in the market sold affordable with different type. Some are also sold cooked and are readily available too.

I am using here the quick-cooking tapioca (small pearls) which does not require for soaking. Some large tapioca pearls are required for soaking for about 1-2 hours; but never soak them until becomes soft to the center, just soak it until the surface becomes spongy so it won’t break up while cooking, or ruin your recipe later.

 

Cooking tapioca requires care. You must keep stirring it while on cook so it won’t be sticky. Be very careful also not to over-cook these or else, it appears to be gooey which are not enjoying to eat after! Under-cooked tapioca will have a crunchy result too or those cooked for a very short time. What I did on this was, took some of the pearl while cooking and taste if its already become chewy and kind to eat. Over-soaked tapioca turns the same like overcooked so better have to be patience while preparing on this.

Here is my mango tapioca recipe. I called this mix-and-eat recipe as this is a very easy dessert to prepare for your family and friends. Since this is best served when chilled, these pearl-like chewy bits deep in cream and fresh mangoes, give you a satisfying feeling to cool you off on a humid summer day. yummmm!

 

To enjoy mango tapioca, choose the ripe and sweet mangoes for the recipe. It would be much easier to prepare too if you prefer to use the cooked tapioca sold in the market. These are seen and sold frozen in some stores. Just check the expiration date indicated in the package.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 kilo quick cooking tapioca, (or 2 cups cooked tapioca if using)
• 4 pieces ripe mangoes, cubes (or strips if you prefer)
• 1 can evaporated milk, big
• 1 can condensed milk, small
• 1 pouch cream
• Cheese (optional)
• tablespoons of white granulated sugar (if necessary depending on your taste)

Procedure:

1. Boil tapioca in 4 cups water. Simmer on a medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or until soft, chewy to eat and tender. Stir often so it won’t be sticky.
2. Drain the water in a strainer and wash with clean water.
3. Transfer to a dish where you will do the mixture. Mix-in all the ingredients until well incorporated.
4. Transfer to a clean bowl and chill for about 1-2 hours.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Makes 12-15 servings.