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I don’t think I’ve had tapioca since I was a kid but remember eating it warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top. I also remember how it can become almost like gelatin, springy to the touch. The flavor is mild and the pudding usually served slightly sweet. I had some leftover lemon curd and wanted to add it to a small dessert and coconut tapioca seemed perfect.
What is tapioca anyway? Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava root native to Brazil. The plant has since expanded to all of South America. Tapioca puddings are often served with Asian cuisine and is used world-wide as a thickening agent. Add a small amount of Tapioca to thicken fruit pies and you have a naturally gluten free alternative to wheat flour. Don’t limit it’s use to just desserts and fruit pies, give it a try to thicken soups or other main dish recipes.
Typically made with eggs, milk, vanilla and sugar this small pearl Tapioca was delicious cooked in coconut milk as well. While I serve mine with lemon curd, this would be great on top of macerated fruit or any other flavor of curd. I think mango would be great with the coconut – yum. However you serve the tapioca, be sure to dig the spoon all the way down to the bottom of the glass and get a bite of both. So perfect together!
Coconut Tapioca with Lemon Curd
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 6
Course: Dessert
Small pearl Tapioca deliciously cooked in coconut milk served with lemon curd.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup small pearl organic tapioca
- 13.5 ounces canned unsweetened coconut milk
- ¾ cups water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- dash of salt
- ⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup lemon curd
Instructions
- Bring the coconut milk, water, salt and tapioca to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes stirring often. Add the sugar and cook another 5 minutes. Fold in the shredded coconut, cover and chill. To serve, spoon the lemon curd in the bottom of a small glass and top with tapioca pudding. Garnish with toasted coconut if desired.
Recipe Notes
Lemon, lime or orange curd is available in most grocery stores and can be found in the jam and jelly section
We use our easy homemade lemon curd for this recipe.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Nutrition
Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
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Try adding a little vanilla or coconut extract too. This is one of those recipes you can’t mess up. Explore and enjoy! I would buy the organic version of the small pearl tapioca – I’ve been hearing things about the tapioca pearls used in bubble tea, etc.
Well we’re off on a great big adventure this week! I don’t think we’ll have Internet access on a regular basis so I’ll catch up on my blog reading when we get back. I love vacation! I have another post scheduled for later this week so it will be like I’m still here! Also please check back next week for vacation / adventure photos! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Tricia
Amber
I made this last night for my boyfriend’s birthday. There were compliments all around! By far one of the yummiest desserts I’ve ever made. Will definitely make again!
Tricia Buice
That is wonderful Amber! Thank you so much for commenting – it’s always nice to hear when someone loves a recipe as much as I do. Have a fabulous weekend 🙂
Juliana
Coconut and lemon curd…looks beautiful and so tasty Tricia…awesome presentation :)<br />Hope you are having a wonderful week!
Angie Schneider
Love anything with coconut! Yum!
Tanna at The Brick Street Bungalow
Tapioca goes on my Comfort Food List. This sounds wonderful, Tricia!! Have lots and lots and lots of fun on vacation!! Can't wait to see photos! blessings ~ tanna
Blond Duck
I love coconut!
The Café Sucré Farine
It would be perfect together! I haven't had it either since I was a kid but I LOVED it, I think I need to re-visit! Have a wonderful time!
TLady
OH MY! THIS sounds WONDERFUL!!!!!!! 🙂 Have a WONDERFUL, RELAXING VACATION!!!!!! 🙂
Sue/the view from great island
How can it be that I've never made tapioca? I need to run out and get some…have a great adventure, can't wait to hear all about it!
Monica
That's a beautiful looking dessert! I love coconut tapioca and I'm really intrigued at how you've paired it with lemon curd – I bet it's delicious! (I love bubble tea but the pearls used for that is bigger…)<br /><br />Have a great vacation! : )
Anna and Liz Recipes
Never had Tapioca but These look delicious! Have a wonderful time! Can't wait to you see where you are going!<br />