Strawberry Mango Sago

Why Make This Recipe

Strawberry Mango Sago is a delicious dessert that combines fresh fruits with creamy and flavorful elements. This recipe is perfect for hot days when you crave something light, sweet, and refreshing. The blend of strawberries and mangoes gives the dish a vibrant color and a delightful taste. Plus, it showcases the unique texture of sago pearls and the jelly-like consistency of coconut jelly, making every spoonful exciting. Not only is it enjoyable to eat, but it’s also a feast for the eyes, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or special occasions.

In addition to its appealing taste and appearance, Strawberry Mango Sago is quite simple to prepare. The ingredients are mostly straightforward, and the process can be broken down into easy steps. After all, creating beautiful and tasty desserts does not have to be complicated. This recipe allows anyone to impress their family and friends with minimal effort.

How to Make Strawberry Mango Sago

Making Strawberry Mango Sago is an enjoyable process that involves preparing several components—all of which come together beautifully. The following sections provide detailed steps to create this dessert that will become a favorite among your loved ones.

Ingredients

To make Strawberry Mango Sago, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp strawberry custard powder or 1/2 cup strawberries blended into a puree + 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2-3 tbsp sugar (adjust according to taste)
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 tsp agar agar powder
• 1 tbsp sugar (for coconut water mixture)
• 1/2 cup strawberries, chopped
• 1 mango, chopped
• 1 cup coconut jelly, cut into cubes
• 1 cup strawberry custard, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup gond katira (edible tragacanth gum), soaked until jelly-like
• 1/2 cup cooked sago pearls
• 1/2 cup milk (adjust to preference)
• 1/4 cup condensed milk (adjust to sweetness)
• 1 cup ice cubes

Directions

The process to make Strawberry Mango Sago involves several steps. Here’s a clear and simple guide to follow:

1. Prepare the Coconut Jelly:
   Begin by heating the coconut water in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the agar agar powder and sugar. Stir the mixture until everything dissolves completely, and let it simmer for a few minutes. After it’s done, pour the mixture into a container and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to set for about 1 to 2 hours until firm, then cut it into cubes.

2. Make the Strawberry Custard:
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the strawberry custard powder (or cornstarch and pureed strawberries) with 1/4 cup of milk until smooth. In a separate saucepan, heat the remaining milk and add sugar. Once it comes to a gentle boil, add the blended mixture and stir while cooking until it thickens. Once done, cool the custard mixture and refrigerate it until set. After it has cooled completely, cut it into cubes.

3. Cook the Sago Pearls:
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the sago pearls. Cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they become translucent. Once cooked, drain the pearls and rinse them with cold water. Set them aside to cool.

4. Prepare Gond Katira:
   Take the gond katira and soak it in water for several hours, or until it becomes jelly-like. After sufficient soaking, drain the excess water and set it aside.

5. Assemble the Dessert:
   In a large bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, mango pieces, coconut jelly cubes, gond katira, and cooked sago pearls. Gently mix all these ingredients together. Then, add the strawberry custard cubes and ice cubes to the mixture. Finally, pour in the milk and condensed milk to adjust sweetness and consistency. Stir gently until everything is well combined.

6. Serve:
   Spoon the finished dessert into glasses or bowls. Serve it chilled for the best flavor. Optionally, you can add fresh mint leaves or extra fruit pieces on top for a nice touch.

How to Serve Strawberry Mango Sago

When serving Strawberry Mango Sago, presentation can elevate the overall experience. Use clear glasses or bowls to show off the colorful layers and textures of the dessert. You can create a beautiful layering effect by strategically placing the fruit, jelly, and custard. For an extra pop of color and freshness, consider adding mint leaves on top or a slice of fresh mango. This will not only enhance its visual appeal but also provide a refreshing aroma.

Ensure that the dessert is served well-chilled, as this helps to accentuate the flavors and makes it a refreshing treat during hot weather. Strawberry Mango Sago can also be served at parties or family gatherings, making it a delightful addition to any dessert table.

How to Store Strawberry Mango Sago

If you have leftovers, storing Strawberry Mango Sago is fairly simple. Place the dessert in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will generally stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. However, the textures may alter over time, especially the sago and jelly, which may absorb moisture and change consistency.

Do keep in mind that the fruit’s freshness will gradually decline, so it is best to consume the dessert within the first couple of days for optimal taste and texture. Before consuming leftovers, give it a gentle stir; if needed, you can add a splash of milk to rehydrate the mixture and restore some creaminess.

Tips to Make Strawberry Mango Sago

1. Fresh Ingredients:
   Choose ripe strawberries and mangoes for the best flavor. Fresh fruits make a significant difference in taste.

2. Adjust Sweetness:
   The sweetness can be adjusted based on your preference. Feel free to add more or less sugar and condensed milk according to your taste buds.

3. Texture Matters:
   Cook the sago pearls carefully to avoid overcooking them; they should be soft yet chewy, adding a fun texture to the dessert.

4. Experiment with Fruits:
   You can add other fruits as well. For example, kiwi or bananas can be wonderful additions that bring a new flavor to the mix.

5. Chill the Ingredients:
   Make sure the coconut jelly and the custard are adequately chilled before mixing. This will help maintain a pleasant and refreshing temperature for the dessert.

Variation

Strawberry Mango Sago can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences. For instance:

• Vegan Option: Substitute the milk with almond milk or any plant-based milk, and ensure that agar agar is the only thickening agent used in the coconut jelly.
• Flavored Sago: Instead of plain boiled sago, consider cooking it in coconut milk or flavored water to enhance the sago’s taste.
• Other Fruits: Replace mango or strawberries with your favorite seasonal fruits. Pineapple, dragon fruit, or even blueberries can add interesting flavors and colors.
• Add Toppings: Serve with a sprinkle of roasted nuts or desiccated coconut for added texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make Strawberry Mango Sago in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the different components of the dessert in advance and assemble it on the day you plan to serve. The coconut jelly and custard can be made a day before, while the sago pearls can be cooked in advance too. Just keep everything refrigerated.

2. Is this dessert suitable for children?

Absolutely! Strawberry Mango Sago is a fun and colorful dessert that children usually love. It’s also relatively healthy with fresh fruits and can be adjusted to reduce sugar if desired.

3. How do I make the sago pearls chewy?

To achieve the perfect chewy texture, make sure to soak the sago pearls in cold water before cooking. Boil them gently, and avoid overcooking. If they’re left too long in hot water, they can become mushy.

4. What can I use instead of agar agar?

If you can’t find agar agar, you can use gelatin, but this will no longer make your dessert vegan. If you’re looking for a vegan substitute, perhaps you can also try pectin, which can serve a similar function.

5. Why is my coconut jelly not setting?

If your coconut jelly mixture did not set, it could be because the agar agar wasn’t properly dissolved or the mixture wasn’t heated long enough. Make sure to follow the directions closely, and ensure that you are using the right concentration of agar agar.

By following these steps, you’ll create a delightful Strawberry Mango Sago that will wow your friends and family. It combines juicy fruits with a creamy base, flavored jelly, and chewy sago, culminating in a dessert that is not only pleasing to the eye but also to the palate. Enjoy this simple yet delightful treat, perfect for any occasion!

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