This is a favorite dessert for Cambodians in the Fall season. Kids can’t get enough of the tapioca pearls in this healthy treat!
In less than 30 minutes, you can have this warm, creamy & nutty dessert ready!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup small tapioca pearls
- 1½ pounds kabocha pumpkin*
- 4 cups water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup Angkor Thnot sugar*
- 14 oz coconut cream
Instructions
- Preparing Tapioca Rinse tapioca in cold water, strain and set aside.
- Preparing the Pumpkin Remove any scars on the rind, cut it into half, de-seed, and cut into small triangle pieces (about 1" each side). A triangle shape will allow for more pumpkin to dissolve into the sauce when cooking.
- Cooking the Pumpkin Place the pumpkin pieces into a small pot, add water and salt. Bring it to boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Do not cover the pot. This way the green rind will not turn brownish. Continue simmering for about 8 minutes until the pumpkin is cooked and tender.
- Adding Tapioca Using a fork, softly loosen the tapioca, then add to the pot. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes. At this point the tapioca will not become completely translucent.
- Finishing Steps Add Sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved. Reserve some coconut cream for garnish. Add the rest of coconut cream to the pot, stir and turn off heat. Let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This last step will allow the tapioca to completely cook and the sauce is thicken.
- Serving Serve hot, warm or cold. Top with coconut cream, or fresh jasmine flowers
Notes
- Substitute Thnot Sugar with granulated sugar