Laos Tapioca Pudding with Bananas

Instructions

1. 1

   Soak Tapioca Pearls

   8 min

   Place tapioca pearls in a bowl and cover them with warm water. Allow them to soak for about 20 minutes until they soften slightly, which helps them cook evenly later.

2. 2

   Prepare Bananas

   5 min

   Carefully peel the bananas and cut them into ½ inch thick slices. Set these aside on a plate to keep them fresh while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

3. 3

   Boil Water and Add Bananas

   8 min

   In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, gently add the sliced bananas, allowing them to cook for about 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly but still hold their shape.

4. 4

   Drain Soaked Tapioca

   8 min

   After the soaking time is complete, drain the tapioca pearls using a fine mesh strainer under cold running water. This step helps to remove excess starch and prevents them from clumping together during cooking.

5. 5

   Simmer Tapioca Pearls

   6 min

   Carefully add the drained tapioca pearls to the boiling pot with the bananas. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let them simmer for approximately 3 minutes, or until the pearls turn translucent, indicating they are cooked through.

6. 6

   Combine Sugar and Coconut Milk

   5 min

   Once the tapioca pearls are clear, stir in sugar and gradually pour in the coconut milk. Gently mix the ingredients together for about 3 minutes, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully without breaking the banana slices.

7. 7

   Season and Serve

   5 min

   Adjust the dessert by adding salt to taste, which enhances the overall flavor. Serve the pudding warm, or let it cool in the refrigerator for a refreshing chilled treat.