Homemade Tapioca Pudding

Ingredients

½ cup small pearl tapioca

4 cups milk, whole or 2%

¾ cup white sugar

3 eggs

¾ cup white sugar, additional

1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

Rinse tapioca pearls and then pour into a small bowl and cover with water. Let soak 45-60 minutes.

Add milk and first ¾ cup of sugar to a large saucepan. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once small bubbles form, add the tapioca pearls and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently and cook for 15-20 more minutes or until pearls become translucent.

As pearls cook, beat together the eggs and remaining ¾ cup sugar in a medium size bowl.

Slowly pour a stream of the hot mixture into the eggs about a ⅓ cup at a time, stirring constantly. Continue until half the hot mixture has been beaten into the eggs.

Slowly pour the contents of the egg bowl back into the saucepan, continuously stirring.

Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the pudding starts to thicken (it will continue to thicken as it cools as well).

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Transfer to serving dishes and chill until serving.

Notes:

Tapioca Texture: Small pearl tapioca requires soaking and longer cooking times compared to instant tapioca for the desired consistency.

Milk Substitutions: Use low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives, but note that it may affect texture and flavor.

Adjusting Sugar: You can adjust sugar quantity according to taste, but it impacts texture and sweetness.

Chilling Time: Allow pudding to set and develop creamy texture by chilling for 2-3 hours or longer.

Customizing Flavor: Experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder for additional flavor. Top with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or toasted coconut.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant tapioca instead of small pearl tapioca?

No, instant tapioca and small pearl tapioca have different properties and textures.

Small pearl tapioca requires soaking and longer cooking times to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I use low-fat or non-dairy milk alternatives in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole or 2% milk with low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk.

However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.

However, keep in mind that sugar contributes to the texture and sweetness of the pudding, so reducing it too much may affect the final result.

How long does the tapioca pudding need to chill before serving?

It’s best to chill the tapioca pudding for at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow it to set and develop its creamy texture.

However, you can chill it longer if desired.

Can I add other flavorings or toppings to the pudding?

Absolutely! Tapioca pudding is versatile and can be customized with various flavorings such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder.

You can also top it with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or toasted coconut for added flavor and texture.