Mango tapioca is a delicious dessert that is popular in many Asian countries, especially in the Philippines. It is made with fresh mangoes, tapioca pearls, and a creamy mixture of milk and cream. It is sweet, fruity, and satisfying, and perfect for a hot summer day. In this article, I will show you how to make mango tapioca, a refreshing and creamy dessert that you and your family will love.
What You Need to Make Mango Tapioca
The ingredients for mango tapioca are simple and easy to find. You will need:
- Tapioca pearls: These are small, chewy balls made from cassava starch. They are also known as sago, boba, or pearls. You can find them in different colors and sizes, but for this recipe, you will need the small, white ones. You can buy them dry or cooked, but I recommend buying the dry ones and cooking them yourself for better texture and flavor.
- Mangoes: These are the star of the dessert, so you will need ripe and sweet mangoes. You can use any variety of mangoes, but I prefer the yellow ones, such as carabao, alphonso, or ataulfo. You will need about 4 to 5 medium-sized mangoes for this recipe. You will use some of them to make a puree, and some of them to chop into small pieces.
- Milk and cream: These are the ingredients that make the dessert creamy and rich. You can use any kind of milk, such as fresh, evaporated, or powdered. You can also use any kind of cream, such as all-purpose, whipping, or heavy. You will need about 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of cream for this recipe. You can adjust the amount according to your preference and taste.
- Sugar: This is the ingredient that adds sweetness to the dessert. You can use white, brown, or coconut sugar, depending on your preference. You will need about 1/4 cup of sugar for this recipe, but you can add more or less according to your taste.
How to Make Mango Tapioca
Making mango tapioca is easy and fun. Here are the steps:
- Cook the tapioca pearls. In a large pot of boiling water, add the dry tapioca pearls and stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove the excess starch. Set aside.
- Make the mango puree. Peel and dice 2 to 3 mangoes and put them in a blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of water and blend until smooth. You should have about 2 cups of mango puree. Set aside.
- Make the creamy mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, and sugar until well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed. Set aside.
- Assemble the dessert. In a large serving bowl or individual glasses, layer the cooked tapioca pearls, mango puree, and creamy mixture. Repeat until all the ingredients are used up. Top with chopped mango pieces for garnish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the tapioca pearls absorb the liquid.
- Enjoy your mango tapioca cold or at room temperature, with a spoon or a straw.
How to Customize Your Mango Tapioca
One of the best things about mango tapioca is that you can customize it to your liking and to suit different occasions. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- For a vegan or dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of milk and cream. You can also use agave nectar, maple syrup, or stevia instead of sugar.
- For a more tropical flavor, you can add some pineapple chunks, coconut flakes, or lychee to your mango tapioca. You can also use lime juice or zest to add some tanginess to the dessert.
- For a more colorful and festive presentation, you can use different colored tapioca pearls, such as green, pink, or purple. You can also use different shaped molds, such as heart, star, or flower, to make your mango tapioca more fun and attractive.
How to Store and Serve Mango Tapioca
Mango tapioca can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month, but the texture and flavor may change slightly. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving.
Mango tapioca is a great dessert to serve at parties, picnics, or any casual gathering. You can also enjoy it as a snack or a treat, paired with some tea, coffee, or juice. Mango tapioca is a refreshing and creamy dessert that everyone will love.