Taho is a traditional Filipino dessert that is usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack. It is usually served hot and consists of small pieces of soft tofu sprinkled with gummy pearls of sago (a tapioca-like starch) and a thick, sweet syrup (made from brown sugar and vanilla) called "arnibal". Taho is a delicious combination of flavors and textures and is perfect for quenching hunger and enticing the palate when you are craving something sweet and consistent, yet light at the same time.
Ingrediants
- 450 g of soft tofu
- 175 g of whole cane sugar
- 60 g sago (or tapioca) pearls
- 1, 5 l of water
- 1/2 teaspoon (or 30 drops) of vanilla extract
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cooking the Sago Pearls
Step 1. Sugar the water and bring it to a boil
Pour the water into a large pot, then add the brown sugar. After mixing, turn on the stove to medium temperature and wait for the water to boil.
Step 2. Add the sago beads
When the water boils, pour the small starch beads into the pot. Do this slowly, while you continue to stir, then let them cook until the water comes to a boil again.
At this stage you will have to mix often because the pearls are very sticky and tend to stick to each other
Step 3. Reduce the heat and let them simmer until soft
When the water starts to boil again, lower the heat so that it just simmers. Keep an eye on the pearls as they bake. They will have to become translucent on the outside, while in the center they will have to look solid. When cooked, they should be soft but still quite chewy.
- Since sago pearls are small, they only require 20-30 minutes to cook, while larger varieties need to cook for up to 90 minutes.
- If you have purchased pearls that are larger than normal, simmer them for half an hour in the covered pot, then turn off the stove. Do not remove the lid and leave the pearls to soak in boiling water for another hour. If they are not cooked at that point, turn the heat back on and let them cook, checking them frequently until they are ready.
- If you want, you can prepare the sago beads in advance. After cooking and draining them, transfer them to a bowl and cover them with water. Store them in the refrigerator and use them within three days.
- Be careful not to overcook the sago pearls, otherwise they will lose their typical rubbery texture and become soggy.
Step 4. Drain the sago beads
When they have reached the desired consistency, pour them into a colander to remove the water. At this point wet them with cold water to stop the cooking process and let them cool.
Step 5. Cover them with water and put them in the refrigerator
Transfer the sago pearls to a container and add enough water to completely cover them. In this case the water must be at room temperature; it will serve to cool them and prevent them from sticking to each other. Store them in the uncovered container inside the refrigerator while you prepare the other recipe ingredients.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare the Syrup and Tofu
Step 1. Blend the water, sugar and vanilla extract
First pour the water into a saucepan, then add the brown sugar and vanilla extract.
Step 2. Bring the mixture to a boil
Cook the syrup over low heat until it reaches a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Once the indicated time has elapsed, the sugar should have dissolved completely and the syrup should have a smooth, even consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from sticking to the sides of the pot.
Step 3. Remove the syrup from the heat
When the sugar has dissolved completely and the consistency is thick and even, move the pot away from the heat. Stir with a spoon to make sure it doesn't stick to the bottom or sides, then set the pot aside.
Step 4. Prepare the pot for steaming
Pour the water into the bottom and put it on the stove.
Step 5. Steam the tofu for 15 minutes
Place it in a heat-resistant dish and place it in the basket to steam it. After 15 minutes, remove the dish from the basket.
Step 6. Cut the tofu
To make taho, the tofu should be cut into bite-sized pieces so that it can be easily scooped up with a spoon along with the sago pearls. Some people prefer to cut it into cubes, while others into long thin strips. If in doubt, cut it into pieces 2-3 cm long.
Part 3 of 3: Combining the Ingredients
Step 1. Place the tofu pieces in the bowls
Divide them according to the number of diners, trying to create uniform portions. Alternatively, you can transfer them all to a single serving dish.
- Taho is usually served in clear plastic cups, but of course you can also use small boules.
- The appearance of the taho is makes the dessert inviting and appetizing. If possible, use glass bowls so that the colors are clearly visible.
- Taho should be eaten hot. If you haven't assembled the cake right away and the syrup has cooled, heat it for about forty seconds in the microwave.
Step 2. Add the sago beads
Remove the container with the pearls from the refrigerator. Pour the water into the sink and gently pat it dry with a couple of sheets of kitchen paper to absorb excess moisture. After drying them, divide them into cups. Each diner must have a generous amount available.
Step 3. Top the dessert with the syrup
After putting the tofu and pearls in the bowls, pour the syrup over them. Again add a generous amount, so that each bite can also include the syrup.
Step 4. Mix
Take a long-handled spoon and gently move the tofu aside to allow the syrup to flow to the bottom of the bowl. Try to push a few pearls towards the center or bottom of the cake as well, so that each bite is even.
- Be gentle when moving the tofu to the side. Be careful not to break it and not to ruin its shape. Move it gently and only enough to allow the syrup and pearls to reach the lower layers of the cake.
- This ensures that every bite is equally delicious.
Step 5. Taho should be served hot
After assembling the dessert in the bowls, bring it to the table immediately to prevent it from cooling down. You will find that it is a really light and tasty dessert!
Advice
- If you want, you can make tofu at home instead of buying it ready-made.
- The amount of syrup can vary according to the taste of the diners. If you don't know how much to add, you can put it in a bowl and let them pour it themselves into the bowls.
- Follow the cooking directions carefully when making sago pearls and check them frequently to prevent them from becoming overcooked.
