Tapioca Pilaf

Ingredients for Tapioca Pilaf

• 2400ml water

• 350ml (1/4-inch) tapioca pearls

• 4 to 170g taro root, peeled, or 1 medium Yukon Gold potato

• 60g clarified butter

• 1 fresh Thai chilli or 1 small serrano, chopped (about 1 teaspoon ), including seeds

• 2 teaspoons chopped garlic

• 2 teaspoons brown mustard seeds

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 2 teaspoons chopped dried neem leaves (optional)

• 1/2 cup chopped unsalted roasted peanuts

• 45ml chopped coriander

How to make Tapioca Pilaf

Bring water (2400ml ) to a boil in a 3-to 4-quart pot. Add tapioca pearls and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, until pearls are translucent around edge, have a white centre, and are al dente, about 45 minutes more.

While tapioca stands, cover taro with cold water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then simmer until almost tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer taro to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, cut into 1/4-inch dice.

Drain tapioca in a sieve and rinse well under cold water. Let stand in sieve submerged in a bowl of cold water until ready to use.

Heat butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then sauté taro until just tender and golden, about 5 minutes. Add chilli and garlic and sauté until softened, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and neem leaves (if using) and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds more.

Lift sieve with tapioca out of water and shake to drain well. Add to taro mixture in skillet along with peanuts and 1/2 teaspoons salt and sauté 2 minutes. Toss with coriander and serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.