Creamy Tapioca Pudding with Vanilla and Lemon Zest Delight

This comforting tapioca pudding combines nostalgia with modern flavors, featuring rich creaminess from whole milk and a zesty twist with lemon.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Cooling Time 10

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pudding Base

1 cup small pearl tapioca soaked in water for 30 minutes
2 cups whole milk
3 large egg yolks beaten
1/2 cup sugar adjust to taste
a pinch salt essential for balancing sweetness

For Flavoring

1 bean vanilla seeds scraped; pod added during cooking
1 tbsp lemon zest adjust to taste

Optional Additions

1 cup whipped cream well-chilled
fresh fruit or nuts for serving

Equipment

heavy-bottomed saucepan
bowl
Whisk
Wooden spoon
measuring cups
measuring spoons

Method

Cooking Steps

Soak 1 cup of small pearl tapioca in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes, then drain.
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of whole milk, 3 beaten egg yolks, 1/2 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk over medium heat.
Add the seeds of 1 vanilla bean and the pod to the mixture; infuse as it heats.
Fold in the soaked tapioca and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously for 20-30 minutes until the tapioca is translucent.
Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest and the vanilla extract. Fold in 1 cup of whipped cream before serving.
Serve warm or chilled. Garnish with fresh fruit or nuts, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 6gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Adjust sweetness and flavoring based on personal preference. The pudding can be served warm or chilled depending on your desire.

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