Description
Strawberry Sago is a refreshing Asian dessert featuring chewy tapioca pearls combined with a creamy blend of fresh strawberries, coconut milk, and milk. This chilled treat offers a perfect balance of sweet and fruity flavors, enhanced by the smooth texture of sago pearls and the richness of coconut milk, making it ideal for warm days or as a light dessert after meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Sago Pearls
- 1 cup small tapioca pearls (sago)
- 4 cups water for cooking sago
Strawberry Mixture
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar or honey
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup whole milk or evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
To Serve
- 1 cup ice cubes or chilled water
- Extra sliced strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sago: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add the tapioca pearls and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes until the pearls turn mostly translucent. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the sago sit for another 5 minutes until the pearls become fully transparent. Drain the cooked sago and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
- Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: In a blender, combine the hulled fresh strawberries, granulated sugar or honey, coconut milk, whole or evaporated milk, and vanilla extract if using. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy, ensuring the strawberries are fully pureed.
- Combine Sago and Strawberry Mix: Transfer the blended strawberry mixture into a large bowl and add the cooked sago pearls. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Adjust Consistency and Chill: Add ice cubes or chilled water to the bowl to adjust the dessert’s consistency to your preference. Stir again and refrigerate the dessert until chilled, or serve immediately over ice if preferred.
- Serve: Dish out the strawberry sago into bowls or glasses. Garnish with extra sliced strawberries for added freshness and visual appeal. Enjoy cold.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, substitute whole milk with evaporated milk or increase the amount of coconut milk.
- Adjust the sweetness based on the ripeness and natural sweetness of the strawberries used.
- The dessert can be chilled in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Do not overcook the sago, as it may become too soft and lose the characteristic chewy texture.
