Tapioca Jelly
This traditional Tapioca Jelly is a soothing, translucent dessert delicately flavored with aromatic rose water and bright lemon or vanilla essence. Made by slow-cooking soaked tapioca pearls until they transform into a crystal-clear consistency, it offers a light, cooling texture that is both elegant and easily digestible. Often served as a restorative treat, its gentle sweetness and wobbling set make it a delightful finish to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Tapioca pearls (Sago) (Quantity estimated based on water ratio (original text had a typo '0 lbs'). Use small or medium pearls.)
- 6 cups Water (Originally '1.5 seer' (approx 3 lbs/6 cups).)
- 2 cups Granulated sugar (Originally '0.5 seer' (approx 1 lb).)
- 3 teaspoons Rose water (Originally '3 small spoons'.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract or Lemon extract (Original suggests substituting with brandy/wine for invalids if prescribed.)
Instructions
- 1Wash the tapioca pearls thoroughly three times with cold water. Place them in an earthen or glass bowl, add the 6 cups of cold water, and let them soak for 12 hours.
- 2Transfer the soaked tapioca along with its soaking water into a heavy-bottomed pot (originally a tinned vessel). Place over medium-high heat and cook until the tapioca pearls are completely dissolved and transparent.
- 3Add the sugar to the pot. Stir constantly with a ladle until the mixture thickens significantly and reaches a consistency where it will set firm upon cooling.
- 4Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the rose water and vanilla (or lemon) essence. Pour the hot mixture into a mold that has been rinsed with water (to prevent sticking).
- 5Allow the jelly to cool completely and set firm (about 4 hours). Once set, unmold onto a serving dish.