Intro:
Cafeteria tapioca is a classic dessert that evokes memories of school days and cozy cafeterias. This creamy, comforting tapioca pudding is an easy-to-make treat that satisfies both the young and the young at heart. With its smooth texture and light sweetness, cafeteria tapioca is a delightful dish to serve for dessert or a midday snack. Let’s dive into the recipe and recreate this nostalgic favorite in your own kitchen!
Cafeteria Tapioca
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup small pearl tapioca
– 4 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs, separated
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the small pearl tapioca and 2 cups of whole milk. Let it soak for 30 minutes to soften the tapioca pearls.
2. After soaking, add the remaining 2 cups of whole milk to the saucepan along with the sugar and salt. Stir the mixture well to combine.
3. Turn the stove to medium heat and bring the tapioca mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent the tapioca from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Add a ladleful of the hot tapioca mixture to the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This step helps temper the eggs and prevents them from curdling when added to the hot mixture.
5. Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the tapioca while stirring continuously. Cook the pudding for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the pudding cool slightly.
7. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the tapioca pudding until well incorporated. This step adds a light, airy texture to the pudding.
8. Transfer the pudding to individual serving dishes or a large serving bowl. Cover the pudding with plastic wrap, ensuring that the wrap touches the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
9. Chill the cafeteria tapioca in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the pudding to set. Serve cold and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness of this delightful dessert!
Here you have it – a simple and delicious recipe for cafeteria tapioca that brings back memories of simpler times and comforting flavors. This timeless dessert is perfect for treating yourself and your loved ones to a taste of nostalgia. Whether served as a sweet ending to a meal or as a special snack, cafeteria tapioca is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe repertoire. Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the smooth, creamy goodness of this old-school treat!
