Tapioca Pearl, Taro & Jackfruit Dessert

The tapioca pearl dessert is probably the most popular of Lao desserts. There are endless versions. For instance, you can use yam instead of taro; jackfruit is optional; tapioca pearl comes in different sizes and colours. This Lao dessert is probably similar to the Asian "bubble tea" since they both contain the tapioca pearl.

For a colour and crunch version of the tapioca pearl, the substitute the dessert with the water chestnut dumplings.

Dessert Recipe: Tapioca Pearl, & Taro Jackfruit Dessert
1 cup tapioca pearl
2 cups chopped taro or yam
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh coconut milk
½ chopped jackfruit (optional)
water

Peel bark from taro and wash. Cut taro into bite size pieces. Bring 6 cups water to boil. Add tapioca pearl and boil for 15 minutes. Drain tapioca pearl in colander and rinse under running water. In a bowl, add tapioca pearl and 1/2 cup of cold water. In a pot, over high heat, add 2 cups water. Once water boils, add salt, sugar, taro, and coconut milk. Boil taro for 15 minutes. Turn heat off. Add tapioca pearl and chopped jackfruit. Mix and serve warm or cold. When dessert thickens over time, serve with ice.

Tapioca Pearl is a common ingredient for Thai and Lao Dessert Recipes like the khao dome corn wrap dessert. Taro is a common ingredient for the khao dome - sticky rice in banana leaves.