Creamy Tapioca Pudding Recipe: A Nostalgic Delight
Years ago, I lost my mother’s cherished tapioca pudding recipe, and despite my best efforts, I couldn’t find a replacement that captured the same comforting flavor. Tapioca pudding, with its creamy smoothness and distinctive chewiness, has long been a beloved dessert. This classic treat, with its soothing taste and simple ingredients, continues to be a favorite across generations. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to create your own tapioca pudding at home, including the ingredients, preparation methods, serving suggestions, and variations.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup small pearl tapioca
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups whole or 2% milk
- 3 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional garnish: Ground cinnamon or nutmeg
Preparation:
1. Soak the Tapioca:
Begin by soaking the tapioca pearls in a medium-sized bowl with just enough cold water to cover them. If the packaging does not specify a soaking time, allow the tapioca to soak for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Pudding Mixture:
In a heavy-bottomed pot, whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, and sugar. If you’re adding spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, include them in this step. Once the tapioca has finished soaking, drain the pearls and add them to the pot with the pudding mixture.
3. Cook the Pudding:
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring regularly to prevent the tapioca from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Continue cooking until the tapioca pearls become translucent and the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in after removing the pan from the heat.
4. Serve and Garnish:
You can serve the tapioca pudding warm or allow it to cool slightly before serving. For a chilled dessert, refrigerate the pudding for a few hours. To finish, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired.
Enjoy!
