Mango Sago Dessert with Tips and Recipe
Introduction
Mango sago dessert, also known as mango pomelo sago, is a popular Hong Kong-style sweet soup or pudding that is often served as a refreshing cold dessert on hot summer days. It consists of small pearl-like tapioca balls called sago, chunks of fresh mango, and a sweet coconut milk or evaporated milk soup. Some recipes may also include pomelo, a citrus fruit similar to grapefruit that adds a tangy and juicy flavor to the dessert. The texture of the creamy soup and chewy sago balls, combined with the sweetness and freshness of mango, creates an amazing taste and mouthfeel.
Ingredients
- 1 cup small pearl sago or tapioca balls
- 2-3 ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 can (200 ml) coconut milk or evaporated milk
- 1/2 to 1 cup water, depending on how thick you want the soup to be
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar, depending on how sweet your mangoes are and your own preference
- Pomelo sacs (optional)
Recipe
- Soak sago in water for at least 30 minutes, or until the sago turns from opaque to translucent. Rinse and drain.
- Bring a pot of water to boil, then add the soaked sago. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the sago turns completely transparent. Stir occasionally to prevent the sago from sticking together. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a separate pot, heat the coconut milk or evaporated milk, water, and sugar over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is heated through. You can adjust the sweetness and thickness of the soup by adding more or less sugar and water.
- Add the cooked sago pearls to the soup and stir well to combine. Remove from heat and allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
- Before serving, add the cubed mangoes and pomelo sacs, if using. You can also garnish the dessert with extra mint leaves or coconut shreds.
Other Variations of Mango Sago Dessert
Mango Pomelo Sago with Coconut Ice Cream
If you are a fan of coconut and want to add some creaminess to the dessert, you can try serving the mango sago dessert with a scoop of coconut ice cream. Simply place a scoop of coconut ice cream on top of the chilled mango sago soup, and garnish with some toasted coconut flakes and a mint leaf. The combination of the creamy ice cream, crunchy coconut, fruity mango, and chewy sago makes a great contrast in texture and flavor.
Mango Pomelo Sago with Grapefruit
If you prefer a more citrusy and sour taste, you can replace the pomelo sacs with grapefruit segments. The grapefruit will add a tangy and refreshing flavor to the dessert, which goes well with the sweetness of the mango and the creaminess of the soup. You can also sprinkle some brown sugar on top of the grapefruit to balance out the sourness.