Chef Priyanka’s Coconut Sago with Sticky Walnut Topping

DESCRIPTION

Sago or white pearl tapioca are used throughout South Asia in sweet and savory forms. This take on combines the sweet creaminess of coconut milk with the fun pops of tapioca to create an elevated take on rice pudding. Scented with cardamom and topped with gooey sticky walnuts, you and your guest will be begging for seconds! Can be served cold, at room temperature or warm.

Total Time
30 Mins
Serves
4-6
Serving Size
1
Course

Total Time

Prep Time
5 Mins
Cook Time
25 Mins
Total Time
30 Mins

Nutrition

Calories
386 cal
Total Fat
35 g
Saturated Fat
22 g
Trans Fat
0.62 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
7 g
Monounsaturated Fat
5 g
Cholesterol
41 mg
Sodium
21 mg
Carbohydrates
40 g
Dietary Fiber
3 g
Total Sugars
25 g
Protein
4 g
Vitamin D
11 mcg
Calcium
58 mg
Iron
1 mg
Potassium
300 mg

Ingredients

Sago

  • 4 cups of water

  • ½ cup white pearl tapioca

  • 1 ¼ cups unsweetened coconut milk – stirred

  • 1-2 tbsp oat or coconut condensed milk

  • ½ tsp-1 tsp ground cardamom

Sticky Walnuts

  • 1 cup California walnut halves and pieces

  • ½ cup plant-based butter

  • ½ cup sugar

  • ⅛ cup water

  • ⅛ cup maple syrup

  • 3-4 green cardamom pods

Preparation

  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add in the tapioca pearls and stir continuously so they don’t stick to each other. Reduce heat to low or just simmer. Simmer for about 20 minutes until water becomes cloudy and pearls are almost translucent. Carefully eat a few just to ensure they’re cooking.

  2. Remove into a strainer and rinse under cold water to remove the starches. Add in a clean bowl.

  3. Pour in coconut milk, condensed milk and mix. Once smooth and combined, add in ground cardamom and set aside in the fridge to chill.

  4. For the sticky California walnuts, in a medium pan add in everything but the California walnuts over medium-low heat. Allow the mixture to melt and become bubbly – about 5 minutes. Once the mixture is rapidly bubbling and creamy, boil for another minute until a candy thermometer reads 250 degrees F. Then add in CA walnut halves and pieces, quickly stir, remove from heat and pour onto a nonstick or parchment lined sheet tray. Allow to cool completely – refrigeration is preferred. Once cooled, the texture should be gooey, sticky and scoopable.

  5. Spoon or scoop the sticky CA Walnut mixture onto the coconut sago and garnish with ground cardamom (if preferred) and serve chilled.

  6. Additional suggested toppings: fresh lime zest or orange zest to add a citrusy flair.