“I lost my mother’s recipe years back and had been searching for a good replacement without any luck.”
Homemade Tapioca Pudding
This timeless dessert brings together tender tapioca pearls and a rich, velvety custard. It’s a cozy and nostalgic dish that’s easier to prepare than you might think, making it a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small pearl tapioca | ½ cup |
| Whole or 2% milk | 4 cups |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Additional granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions:
- Soak the Tapioca: Rinse the tapioca pearls under cool running water. Place them in a small bowl and cover with fresh water. Allow them to soak for 45 to 60 minutes to soften and reduce cooking time.
- Heat the Milk and Sugar: In a large saucepan, combine the milk and the first portion of sugar (¾ cup). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bubbles begin to form around the edges.
- Cook the Tapioca: Drain the soaked pearls and add them to the warm milk mixture. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook while stirring frequently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pearls become mostly translucent.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs together with the remaining ¾ cup of sugar until well blended.
- Temper the Eggs (Part 1): Gradually add the hot tapioca-milk mixture to the egg mixture, about ⅓ cup at a time, while whisking constantly. Continue this process until half of the hot mixture has been incorporated, warming the eggs gradually to avoid curdling.
- Combine and Cook Further: Slowly pour the warmed egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously to keep the texture smooth.
- Thicken the Pudding: Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring nonstop, for another 3 to 5 minutes or until it begins to thicken. (It will firm up more as it cools.)
- Add Vanilla and Chill: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Spoon the hot pudding into individual dishes or a large serving bowl. Refrigerate until fully chilled before serving.
