Mango Strawberry Coconut Sago

On sweltering days when I crave something cool and bright nothing beats a bowl of mango sago The creamy coconut base wraps around chewy pearls while mango and strawberry add a burst of sweet tartness It always feels like a holiday treat no matter the weekday

I first made this mango sago for a backyard barbecue and it disappeared before I could even get seconds Now I bring it to every summer potluck and watch folks light up with their first bite

Ingredients

• Ripe mangoes cubed: These deliver the bold fruity flavor Look for ones with a little give and a strong aroma for peak sweetness
• Fresh strawberries sliced: The slight tartness balances the dessert Choose berries with a glossy surface and bright green tops
• Sago pearls or tapioca pearls: These bring that signature chewy texture Try to pick pearls with uniform size for even cooking
• Coconut milk: Full fat or a coconut and water blend gives the pudding its silkiness Choose brands without added thickeners or preservatives for pure coconut taste
• Condensed milk: Adds sweetness and body Coconut condensed milk keeps the whole dish plant based and lactose free

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Sago:

Bring three cups of water to a rolling boil in a pot Pour in the sago pearls and cook uncovered for about ten minutes Stir every couple of minutes so pearls do not stick to the bottom Watch for the pearls to turn almost fully translucent with just a small white dot in the center

Rest the Sago:

Remove the pot from the heat once pearls are nearly clear Cover with a lid and let the sago rest off the stove for another ten minutes This finishes cooking the centers while preventing overcooking and mushiness

Rinse and Drain:

Pour the sago and cooking water through a fine strainer Rinse under cold running water The sago should cool quickly and feel slightly bouncy Rinsing removes extra starch which keeps the dessert light

Mix the Base:

Grab your largest mixing bowl Add the drained sago coconut milk condensed milk cubed mango and sliced strawberries Stir gently from the bottom up Use a spatula so you keep the fruit in big chunks and avoid breaking the pearls

Chill Thoroughly:

Transfer the mixture to the fridge for at least thirty minutes or until perfectly cold Chilling gives the flavors time to marry and the pearls to thicken the mix slightly

Serve and Garnish:

Spoon the chilled mango sago into glasses or bowls Top each serving with extra mango and strawberries for a colorful look Serve immediately for the best texture

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Mango is my favorite ingredient here Every summer my dad would help me pick the juiciest mangoes at the stand The ritual of peeling and dicing them brings back those sunny afternoons We would always sneak a few pieces while prepping because no one can resist

Storage Tips

Store leftover mango sago tightly covered in the fridge for up to two days The pearls start to absorb moisture over time so the dessert may become thicker Just stir in a splash of extra coconut milk to loosen before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Try canned or frozen mango if fresh is not available Frozen sago pearls will work in a pinch but need a bit more rinsing You can swap out strawberries for kiwi or pineapple for a fun tropical spin

Serving Suggestions

Mango sago shines served in clear glasses to show off the pretty layers Sometimes I add an extra swirl of coconut milk and a mint leaf for a party look If you want a richer treat add a scoop of vanilla or mango sorbet on top

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Cultural Touchstones

Mango sago is inspired by classic Southeast Asian and Hong Kong sweet soups The original was a dim sum staple and quickly became a summer favorite throughout Asia My version blends both mango and strawberry for a new twist

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent sago pearls from sticking together?

Stir the sago pearls occasionally while cooking and rinse them well under cold water after boiling to remove excess starch.

→ Can I use different types of milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular or coconut condensed milk based on dietary preferences for a vegan or creamy taste.

→ How do I know when sago pearls are cooked?

They're ready when translucent with just a hint of a white core; avoid overcooking to keep the pearls pleasantly chewy.

→ What other fruits can be used?

You can swap in lychee, kiwi, or peaches for a fun twist, keeping the dessert light and refreshing.

→ How long should I chill the dessert before serving?

Chill for at least 30 minutes, or until thoroughly cold, so the flavors meld and the texture is perfectly refreshing.

→ Is this dish suitable for parties?

Absolutely! It can be made ahead and served in individual glasses for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dessert.