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.
Combine Minute Tapioca, salt, pepper, and milk in top of double boiler. Place over rapidly boiling water and cook 8 to 10 minutes after water boils again, stir- ring frequently. Add butter.
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
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
How to Make Classic Tapioca Pudding | Dessert Recipes | Allrecipes.com
FAQ
What is the difference between minute and regular tapioca?
Do you need to soak tapioca before cooking?
Can I use minute tapioca instead of cornstarch?
Is instant tapioca good for you?
How long does tapioca take to cook?
We like Bob’s Red Mill’s small pearl tapioca, which doesn’t require any soaking time. Using “quick” or “minute” tapioca: This is the same thing as small tapioca pearls, just cut down smaller for quicker cooking. You can follow this same recipe and just decrease the cooking time to around 20 minutes.
Is tapioca gluten free?
Tapioca is an ingredient made from the root of the cassava plant. Tapioca is gluten free. Tapioca flour also known as tapioca starch is used in combination of other flours to make backed foods. Tapioca is slightly sweet and is rich in starch. Tapioca is advisable to individuals who have gluten intolerance.
Is tapioca easy to make?
Yeah, well, you’re going to have to get on a stepladder or down on your knees to find the tapioca. But it’s there. I promise. And making it is as easy as pie. You basically dump everything into a pan, heat it up and you’re done. Really. This classic recipe is sure to remind you and your loved ones of childhood.
How do you eat tapioca?
Our favorite way of enjoying tapioca is in small dessert cups with a strawberry fanned out on top. It’s so simple and unassuming, but it’s also excellent to make ahead for parties and unique enough to surprise and delight guests. What is Tapioca? Tapioca comes from the root of the cassava plant, which grows in Brazil.