Mango Sago Recipe

This mango sago dessert is seriously my go-to recipe because it perfectly blends the tropical sweetness of fresh mangoes with the creamy delight of coconut and condensed milk, taking me back to those carefree summer days. Plus, it’s a breeze to make and offers a refreshing, Instagram-worthy treat for any occasion with its cute mint garnish and sago pearls.

Savor a taste of the tropics with my recipe for Mango Sago, a creamy, dreamy dessert of ripe mangoes and coconut milk. The chewy pearls of sago take this dish to the next level, and the sweet condensed milk ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.

Even though this dessert requires a few ingredients that aren’t commonly found in American pantries, it’s super simple to make and worth the effort.

Ingredients

Mangoes:
Rich in vitamins A and C, it contributes natural sweetness and a spectacular pop of color.

Sago Pearls:
Delivers a chewy texture, with mainly carbohydrates and no gluten.

Coconut Milk:
Loaded with wholesome lipids, contributes a smooth mouthfeel, not made with milk.

Evaporated Milk:
Rich and creamy, and a concentrated source of calcium.

Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Adds a caramelized flavor and sweetens the dessert.

Sugar:
Suit to your taste; further sweeten it if you wish.

It’s a pure source of carbohydrates.

Mint Leaves:
A garnish that is refreshing, adds color, and is low in calories.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
• 1/3 cup small sago pearls
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup water
• Ice cubes (optional, for serving)
• Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place a pot of water over high heat and bring to a rapid, rolling boil. Add the sago pearls to the boiling water. Stir a few times to ensure that the pearls are evenly distributed and not sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, and check for doneness. The pearls will be mostly translucent, except for a tiny dot of white in the center of each. If you have an extra few minutes and want to ensure that the pearls are thoroughly cooked, you can leave them in the covered pot for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Switch off the burner, put on the lid, and allow the sago pearls to sit for another 10 minutes to finish cooking completely.

3. Rinse the sago pearls under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain them and set them aside.

4. In a blender, mix one of the diced mangoes with the coconut milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

5. Sample the mango blend and adjust its sweetness, if necessary, by adding more sugar.

6. In a mixing bowl or large container, combine the cooked and rinsed sago pearls with the mango blend.

7. Mango that is left over should be cut into small, cube-like pieces and carefully mixed into the compound.

8. To enhance the flavors and produce a refreshing mixture, chill it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1-2 hours.

9. Prior to serving, mix together the ingredients to ensure an even distribution. For a chilled treat, you can add ice.

10. Mango Sago is a delightful dessert. Serve in individual bowls, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired, and enjoy.

Equipment Needed

1. Pot with lid
2. Stove
3. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula (for stirring)
4. Strainer or colander
5. Blender
6. Measuring cups
7. Mixing bowl or large container
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Refrigerator
11. Serving bowls
12. Spoon (for serving)

FAQ

• What is sago and where can I find it?Sago are little, starchy pearls that are often utilized in making sweet dishes. The pearls can be found in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets or at stores specializing in Asian groceries.
• Can I use tapioca pearls instead of sago?Tapioca pearls may be used as a substitute, but they might necessitate a different cooking time.
• How do I cook the sago pearls?In a pot of water, boil the sago until it is translucent. Rinse the sago in cold water to remove any remaining starch.
• Can I use fresh milk instead of coconut milk?Although coconut milk is authentic and imparts a distinct taste, you can swap it out for fresh milk or almond milk if you want.
• How should I serve Mango Sago?Chill Mango Sago for an hour or more before serving. For extra refreshment, add ice cubes just before serving.
• Can I make Mango Sago ahead of time?Certainly! Mango Sago can be made a day before serving; simply add the mango right before serving, to keep its flavor and texture intact.
• How do I adjust the sweetness of this dish?Before chilling, taste the combination, and if it not sweet enough for your preference, add more condensed milk or sugar to your desire.

Substitutions and Variations

If you want less richness in flavor, you can replace the coconut milk with almond or regular milk.
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream in place of evaporated milk.
Coconut cream can take the place of sweetened condensed milk when a tropical twist is desired. If not, slightly more sugar than normal can be used.
In the absence of sugar, you can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Mango Selection Choose ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. If you can, use mango varieties like Alphonso or Ataulfo, which are known for their rich sweetness and flavor.

2. Sago Cooking Tip Make sure to stir the sago pearls regularly while cooking to prevent them from clumping together. Additionally, after rinsing, soak them briefly in cold water to improve their texture.

3. Sweetness Adjustment Start with less sugar in the mango blend and gradually increase to taste. Since mangoes have natural sweetness, you may find that you need less added sugar than anticipated.

4. Coconut Milk Enhancement For a richer coconut flavor, consider using coconut cream instead of coconut milk, or add a few tablespoons of toasted coconut flakes to the mix.

5. Presentation and Texture To add a textural contrast, consider adding small tapioca balls or melon balls to the mix. This will enhance both the visual appeal and provide a sensory contrast when eating the dessert.