There was a time in my life when desserts meant guilt and indulgence. However, during my journey towards a healthier lifestyle, I discovered that desserts could be both delicious and nutritious. One memorable evening, I hosted a small gathering for friends, and I wanted to showcase that desserts don’t have to compromise health for flavor. That’s when I whipped up this delightful Coconut Tapioca Pudding, enriched with chia seeds and topped with fresh mango. The joy on my friends’ faces as they savored each bite was a reminder that healthy desserts can indeed be showstoppers.
### Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup small tapioca pearls
– 2 cups coconut milk (canned or carton)
– 1/4 cup maple syrup (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 2 tablespoons chia seeds
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
– Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
### Instructions:
Soak the tapioca pearls in cold water for about 30 minutes. After soaking, drain and rinse them under cold water.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed tapioca pearls, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You will notice the tapioca pearls begin to turn translucent as they cook.
Once the mixture starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tapioca pearls are fully cooked and the pudding has thickened to your desired consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chia seeds. Allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes, then transfer it to serving dishes or bowls.
Refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours, allowing it to firm up and develop flavor.
Before serving, top each pudding with fresh diced mango, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, and a few mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Enjoy this creamy, tropical delight that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also nourishes your body with superfoods. This Coconut Tapioca Pudding is a perfect example of how health and flavor can coexist, leaving you with memories of laughter and joy around the table.