Homemade Tapioca Pudding

Certainly! Homemade tapioca pudding is a classic, creamy dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch. It’s a delightful treat that combines simple ingredients like milk, tapioca pearls, sugar, and eggs into a comforting and delicious pudding. Here’s a straightforward recipe to help you make your own homemade tapioca pudding.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup small pearl tapioca (not instant)
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Soak the Tapioca Pearls:
   • Place the tapioca pearls in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, then drain and set aside. This step is crucial for softening the pearls before cooking.
2. Simmer the Milk:
   • In a heavy saucepan, combine the soaked tapioca, milk, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer. Stir frequently to prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom of the pan.

1. Temper the Eggs:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until well blended. Once the tapioca and milk mixture is simmering, take a cup of it and slowly pour it into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This process is called tempering, which prevents the eggs from curdling by gradually bringing them up to the same temperature as the hot milk.
2. Combine and Cook:
   • Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining tapioca and milk, stirring constantly. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not allow the mixture to boil, as high heat can cause the eggs to curdle.
3. Add Vanilla:
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor to the pudding.
4. Cool and Serve:
   • Pour the pudding into a serving bowl or individual dessert cups. You can serve the pudding warm or cover it with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming) and chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours until it’s cold.
5. Optional Garnishes:
   • Serve your tapioca pudding plain or garnish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Tips:

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