Description

Instant tapioca is a product that’s made from a root vegetable called cassava. It’s ground into fine granules that dissolve easily when added to pie filling or crockpot gravies, and is prized for its thickening abilities.

Instant tapioca is also called quick tapioca, quick cooking tapioca, tapioca granules, and instant pearl tapioca are great for pies. Instant tapioca is granulated and this is the stuff used for thickening pie fillings, stews, gravies, and soups. In the west, cassava is best known in the form of tapioca. Tapioca flour/starch, instant tapioca granules and tapioca pearls are made from starch produced by processing grated fresh cassava.  Cassava and tapioca are quickly becoming popular as alternatives to grain and gluten-free chips, crackers, tortillas, crepes, pancakes, wraps and flour.

Other names for 60 Second Tapioca are “quick cooking tapioca,” “tapioca granules,” and “instant pearl tapioca.” Instant tapioca is granulated and as mentioned it’s used for thickening pie fillings, stews, gravies, and soups. To be sure to eliminate the chance of “blobs” if the granules don’t dissolve completely, grinding it further in a food processor, blender, spice grinder, coffee mill, or mortar and pestle will assist to make it smooth. This form takes a little time to “bloom” and do its magic, so be sure to add it to your pie filling at least an hour before baking.

Basic Pudding Recipe: 1/3 c. sugar, 3 Tbsp Tapioca, 2 3/4 c. milk, 1 well-beaten egg, 1 tsp vanilla. Mix sugar, tapioca, milk and egg; let stand 5 minutes. Stirring constantly, cook on medium heat till mixture comes to full boil. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Cool 20 minutes; stir. Serves 6.

Filling for 9-inch Peach Pie

3 lb. peaches, 6 cups peeled, pitted and sliced 1/4 inch thick

1/2 C. packed brown sugar

1/4 to 1/2 C. granulated sugar

2 t. fresh lemon juice

3 to 4 T. instant tapioca

1/4 t. nutmeg

Pinch salt

2 T. unsalted butter, cut up, optional

Filling for 9-inch Classic Cherry Pie

6 C. frozen or fresh, pitted tart cherries, about 2-1/2 pounds

3/4 to 1 C. sugar, more to taste

2 t. fresh lemon juice

3 to 4 T. instant tapioca

1/8 t. almond extract

2 T. unsalted butter, cut up, optional

Filling for 9-inch Blueberry Pie

3 heaping pints blueberries, picked over or 6 cups

1/2 to 1 C. sugar

2 t. fresh lemon juice

3 to 4 T. instant tapioca

1/4 t. ground cinnamon or allspice

2 T. unsalted butter, cut up, optional

 

Coffee Tapioca Recipe (From Serious Eats) — so unique and delicious!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups strong brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided
  • 1/2 cup instant tapioca
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan combine coffee, 1/2 cup sugar, tapioca, vanilla, and salt. Stir well and let sit for 5 minutes.

    How to Make Toasted Sugar

  2. Bring mixture to a full boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture continues bubbling while being stirred. Remove from heat and divide among 4 serving glasses (highball glasses work well). Chill for 2-3 hours.

  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer combine heavy cream and one tablespoon of sugar. Using the whisk attachment whip until peaks form. Divide whipped cream among chilled portions.