She Strengthens

A Childhood Favorite Revived: Homemade Tapioca Pudding

Growing up, I had the pleasure of enjoying a special treat every Sunday night – a warm, creamy bowl of tapioca pudding, lovingly prepared by my dad. Little did I know that this comforting dessert was surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some gentle simmering, you can recreate this nostalgic treat in the comfort of your own home.

The Magic of Pearl Tapioca

To start, you’ll need pearl tapioca, which is made by passing moistened cassava starch through a strainer to create spheres in various sizes. Be sure to avoid instant tapioca pearls, as they’ve been cracked or flaked, then cooked and dried, and won’t yield the same results. You can find pearl tapioca in the baking or ethnic aisle of most well-stocked grocery stores.

A Simple Recipe for Success

This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings and takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to prepare. With a difficulty level of easy, it’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup small-pearl tapioca (not instant)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped and reserved
• 1/8 teaspoon fine salt

Let the Cooking Begin

To start, combine 1 cup of milk and the tapioca pearls in a medium saucepan. Let the pearls soak uncovered at room temperature for 1 hour. Next, add the remaining 2 cups of milk, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla seeds, and salt. Stir to combine, then place the pan over medium heat. Cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture just comes to a simmer, about 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens and the tapioca pearls are softened and translucent, about 15 minutes.

Serve and Savor

Serve your homemade tapioca pudding warm, as it will thicken as it cools. If you have leftovers, place them in a bowl, press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

With this simple recipe, you can relive the comforting memories of childhood and share them with your loved ones. So go ahead, give it a try, and indulge in the creamy, chewy goodness of homemade tapioca pudding!