National Tapioca Pudding Day Date in the current year: July 15, 2024

Tapioca is a type of starch which is extracted from cassava root. Cassava, also known as manioc, is a woody shrub of the spurge family indigenous to Brazil. It is extensively cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Tapioca is a staple food in many parts of South America, Africa, and Asia.

Tapioca is one of the purest forms of starch therefore it is often used as a thickening agent in culinary. It is commercially available in a variety of forms such as pearls, flakes, sticks, and coarse meal. Any of these forms can be used for making the tapioca pudding.

If you have never eaten tapioca pudding before, National Tapioca Pudding Day is the perfect occasion to give it a try. This dessert can be easily made from scratch. Here is an easy recipe for you.

In a medium saucepan, stir together 3 cups milk, 1/2 cup quick-cooking tapioca, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Then reduce heat to low and cook 5 minutes, stirring.

In a bowl, whisk 2 eggs. Gradually pour 1 cup of the hot tapioca into the eggs, whisking until incorporated. Stir the egg mixture into the pudding. Bring the pudding to a gentle simmer, cook and stir until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla.