Sweet Filipino Tofu Delight

Ingredients

• 1 cup (190g) tapioca pearls
• 1 cup (250g) firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 screw pine leaf (from Asian grocers), knotted
• 300g packet silken tofu, drained

Instructions

1. Prepare Tapioca Pearls: Bring 8 cups (2L) water in a large saucepan to the boil over high heat. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently to prevent sticking. Boil for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until translucent. Remove from heat and stand for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Make Brown Sugar Syrup: Meanwhile, place the sugar, screw pine leaf, and 1/2 cup (125ml) water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens to a syrup. Remove from heat, discard screw pine leaf, and keep the mixture warm.

3. Prepare Tapioca: Drain and rinse tapioca under cold water. Transfer to a medium bowl and add 2-3 tbs brown sugar syrup to prevent sticking. Gently toss to coat.

4. Steam Silken Tofu: Fill a deep saucepan with water and place over medium-high heat. Bring the water to the boil. While the water is heating, take the silken tofu out of its packaging and gently place it in a small bowl. Place the bowl in a bamboo steamer. Once the water in the pan is boiling, set the bamboo steamer on top of the pan. Steam the tofu for 2-3 minutes to achieve a delicate texture.

5. Serve: To serve, alternate scoops of warm silken tofu and tapioca pearls into glasses to form layers, finishing with a spoonful of tapioca pearls. Drizzle warm brown sugar syrup generously over the top.

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of the streets with this homemade Sweet Filipino Tofu recipe. Perfect for reliving cherished memories or creating new ones with loved ones!