Mango Sago Recipe: A Tropical Delight

If you’re craving a delicious and refreshing dessert that’s both simple to make and bursting with tropical flavor, look no further than Mango Sago! This popular Asian dessert combines the creamy richness of coconut milk, the sweetness of ripe mangos, and the delightful chewiness of sago pearls. Perfect for a hot summer day or as a sweet finish to any meal, Mango Sago is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delightful treat!

Ingredients List

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

• 1/2 cup small-sized uncooked tapioca (about 60g)
• 3 ripe mangos (about 1 kg)
• 200 ml unsweetened coconut milk (1/2 of a 13.5 oz. can)
• 60 ml sweetened condensed milk (1/4 cup, or more to taste if you like it sweeter)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Required Kitchen Tools

• Medium-sized saucepan: For cooking the sago pearls.
• Large bowl: For mixing the ingredients.
• Blender or food processor: To puree the mango.
• Fine-mesh strainer: For rinsing the sago pearls.
• Mixing spoon: For stirring the dessert together.
• Serving glasses or bowls: To present the finished dessert.

With these ingredients and tools ready, you’re set to create a creamy and delicious Mango Sago dessert that will bring a taste of the tropics to your table.

Cooking the Sago

The first step in making Mango Sago is to cook the sago pearls. These small, white tapioca pearls will add a chewy texture to our dessert, making it fun to eat and giving it a unique mouthfeel.

1. Boil Water: Start by bringing a medium-sized saucepan of water to a boil. You’ll need about 4-5 cups of water for the 1/2 cup of sago pearls.
2. Add Sago: Once the water is boiling, slowly pour in the sago pearls, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Cook Until Translucent: Let the sago pearls cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they turn translucent with just a tiny white dot in the center. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. Drain and Rinse: Once the sago pearls are cooked, drain them using a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water to remove excess starch. Set the sago aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

The sago is now ready to be combined with the other ingredients, providing a chewy, delightful texture to the Mango Sago dessert. Up next, we’ll prepare the mangoes and create a creamy coconut milk mixture.

Preparing the Mango and Coconut Milk Mixture

Now that the sago is cooked and ready, it’s time to move on to the heart of this dessert: the ripe mangos and the creamy coconut milk mixture. These two components will provide the luscious sweetness and tropical flavor that make Mango Sago so irresistible.

1. Peel and Chop the Mangoes: Start by peeling the 3 ripe mangoes. Cut the mango flesh away from the pit and dice it into small cubes. Set aside about half of the diced mango for garnishing later. Place the remaining mango cubes into a blender or food processor.
2. Make Mango Puree: Blend the mango cubes until smooth to create a mango puree. If you prefer a slightly chunkier texture, you can pulse the blender to leave some small mango pieces. Pour the mango puree into a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix Coconut Milk and Condensed Milk: In a separate bowl, combine 200 ml of unsweetened coconut milk with 60 ml of sweetened condensed milk. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness by adding more condensed milk if desired.
4. Combine the Puree and Coconut Milk Mixture: Pour the coconut milk mixture into the bowl with the mango puree. Stir well to blend the ingredients together. This combination of creamy coconut and sweet mango creates a rich base for our dessert.

With the mango and coconut milk mixture ready, the base of our Mango Sago is now complete. In the next step, we’ll bring everything together, adding the sago and creating the final dessert.

Combining the Sago and Mango Mixture

Now that we have the creamy mango and coconut milk mixture ready, it’s time to combine it with the cooked sago. This step brings together all the flavors and textures, creating a delightful dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

1. Add the Cooked Sago: Gently fold the cooked and rinsed sago pearls into the bowl with the mango and coconut milk mixture. Use a mixing spoon to combine everything evenly, ensuring that the sago is well distributed throughout the mango mixture. The sago will give the dessert its signature chewy texture, making each bite a delightful experience.
2. Chill the Dessert: Once the sago is evenly mixed into the mango base, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the Mango Sago to chill for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling not only enhances the flavors but also allows the sago to soak up the sweetness of the mango and coconut milk, making each spoonful more delicious.
3. Stir Before Serving: Before serving, give the Mango Sago a good stir to mix everything up one more time. This ensures that the sago pearls, mango puree, and coconut milk are all perfectly blended for a consistent taste and texture.

With the Mango Sago now chilled and ready to serve, all that’s left is to prepare the final touches and garnish to make this dessert as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Serving and Garnishing Mango Sago

Your Mango Sago is now ready to be served! In this final step, we’ll add the finishing touches to make this dessert even more enticing. Presentation plays a key role in making your dish look as good as it tastes, so let’s put it all together beautifully.

1. Spoon into Serving Glasses or Bowls: Carefully ladle the chilled Mango Sago into individual serving glasses or bowls. Fill each glass about three-quarters full, allowing some room for garnishing. This individual serving style makes the dessert look elegant and allows your guests to enjoy it at their own pace.
2. Garnish with Fresh Mango: Remember the diced mango we set aside earlier? Now’s the time to use it! Add a few pieces of the reserved fresh mango cubes on top of each serving of Mango Sago. The bright yellow mango chunks not only add a burst of color but also enhance the fruity flavor, making the dessert more refreshing.
3. Optional Toppings: For extra flair, you can top each serving with a mint leaf or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. These additional garnishes add a contrasting color and a touch of texture, making your Mango Sago look even more appetizing.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Mango Sago is best enjoyed when it’s chilled. Serve immediately after garnishing to ensure that all the flavors are at their peak. Whether you’re enjoying this tropical treat as a light dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack on a hot day, it’s sure to be a hit!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors may intensify over time, making the dessert even more delicious the next day. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.

Conclusion

Mango Sago is a simple yet delightful dessert that brings together the creamy richness of coconut milk, the sweetness of ripe mango, and the unique texture of sago pearls. By following these steps, you can easily recreate this popular Asian dessert in your kitchen, offering a taste of the tropics that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it on your own, Mango Sago is sure to impress with its flavor and presentation. So go ahead, indulge in this refreshing treat and savor every spoonful!