Kurt
Culinary Explorer
A Filipino Treat!
Ingredients:
For the Taho:- 1 block (14 oz) silken tofu
- 1/2 cup tapioca pearls (small size)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh fruit (e.g., sliced bananas or mangoes) – optional
- Crushed ice – optional
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tapioca Pearls:- Cook Tapioca Pearls: In a medium pot, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pearls become translucent and chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cool: Once cooked, drain the tapioca pearls and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vanilla (Optional): If using vanilla extract, stir it in once the syrup is finished. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Heat Tofu: Gently heat the silken tofu to warm it up. You can do this in a pot over low heat or in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overheat or cook it; it should remain soft and delicate.
- Layer Ingredients: In serving glasses or bowls, spoon a layer of cooked tapioca pearls at the bottom. Add a layer of warm silken tofu on top.
- Add Syrup: Drizzle the sweet syrup over the tofu. Adjust the amount of syrup based on your preference for sweetness.
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, add fresh fruit or crushed ice on top.
- Warm or Cold: Taho can be enjoyed warm or cold. If serving warm, enjoy immediately. If you prefer it cold, refrigerate the taho for a couple of hours before serving.
Tips:
- Silken Tofu: Make sure to use silken tofu for the smooth, creamy texture that is characteristic of taho.
- Tapioca Pearls: If you have leftover tapioca pearls, store them in a small amount of syrup or water in the refrigerator to keep them from drying out.