Mango Sago is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the chewy texture of sago pearls. Popular in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines, this dessert is perfect for hot summer days or as a light and satisfying end to any meal.
About This Recipe:
Mango Sago is a simple yet elegant dessert that showcases the tropical flavors of mangoes. The dish features small, translucent sago pearls suspended in a creamy coconut milk base, all complemented by the vibrant sweetness of mango puree and chunks. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking and preparation time.
Mango Sago can be served chilled, making it an ideal treat for warm weather. It’s also a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences by adding other tropical fruits or adjusting the sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sago pearls
- 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups mango puree + 1 cup mango cubes)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Mango Sago:
- Cook the Sago Pearls:
- In a pot, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the sago pearls and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Boil for about 10-15 minutes until the sago pearls turn translucent. The center should still have a tiny white dot.
- Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the sago pearls sit for another 10 minutes until fully translucent.
- Drain the sago pearls and rinse them under cold running water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
- Prepare the Mango Puree:
- In a blender or food processor, blend 2 cups of cubed mangoes until smooth to make the mango puree. Set aside.
- Reserve the remaining 1 cup of mango cubes for later.
- Prepare the Coconut Milk Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, water, sugar, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar if needed.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked sago pearls with the coconut milk mixture.
- Add the mango puree and mix well until everything is well combined.
- Gently fold in the reserved mango cubes.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to chill.
- Serve Mango Sago in individual bowls or glasses, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Expert Tips:
- Ensure the mangoes are ripe and sweet for the best flavor. If fresh mangoes are not available, you can use canned or frozen mango puree.
- For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of coconut milk and evaporated milk.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of water added to the coconut milk mixture.
- Feel free to add other tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple, or lychee for a more varied fruit flavor.
Enjoy the refreshing taste of Mango Sago, a dessert that beautifully blends the tropical sweetness of mango with the creamy texture of coconut milk and the delightful chewiness of sago pearls. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your family and friends with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation. Serve it chilled and savor the taste of the tropics!