Coconut Pudding with Tropical Fruits

Puddings are often made as snacks, treats, or desserts. They can come in various flavors like chocolate, tapioca, vanilla, and more. How puddings are made in different countries vary in terms of texture. For example, in the United States, puddings are more like custard, where they have this thick consistency to them. In England, puddings are usually savory. You can find puddings sold in grocery stores in the US, but why not make your own?

There are several nutrients that you can get from eating pudding, and these are:

Calcium. The milk used to make puddings contains high amounts of calcium which can contribute to stronger bones and teeth. Eating pudding is one way to get more calcium into your system.
Vitamins and Minerals. There are several vitamins and minerals that can be found in puddings. Among these are magnesium and vitamin D. Combine them with calcium, and you have a powerhouse dessert to serve your family and friends.
Protein. You will also find protein in a cup of pudding which is also essential in our body. Protein helps with digestion and metabolism. If you are missing out on these essential nutrients, then making your own pudding is a great idea.

If you want a pudding that is light and with plenty of texture, this Coconut Pudding with Tropical Fruits recipe is worth making. Read on to find out how to make one.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups of low fat milk (1%)
1/3 cup of sugar
¼ teaspoon of salt
one teaspoon of vanilla extract
½ cup of sliced peeled banana
Ground cinnamon
half cup of unsweetened flaked coconut
three tablespoons of cornstarch
one large egg
half cup of diced peeled pineapple
half cup of diced peeled, seeded papaya

Directions:

1. Get a heavy medium saucepan and pour your low-fat milk to simmer. Add the coconut once the milk starts simmering. Remove the pan from the heat. Cover it and let the mixture steep for about 20 minutes.
2. Transfer the mixture into your blender and puree until the texture is smooth.

3. In a small bowl, add cornstarch, salt, and sugar, then whisk until everything is blended well. Add the mixture into the saucepan. Whisk in your coconut mixture slowly and add the egg.
4. Place the pan over medium heat and stir until your mixture starts to boil and thicken, which can take about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool a bit. Mix in the vanilla and let it cool completely.
5. In another bowl, mix the fruits that you have, namely papaya, pineapple, and banana. Divide these fruits into four wine glasses. Top these glasses with your coconut pudding mixture, then add the remaining fruits on top.
6. You can chill the pudding in the fridge for about two hours. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top before you serve your tasty dessert.

Aside from the nutrients that are included in the pudding itself, this recipe packs in more health benefits because of the tropical fruits added into the mix. Bananas are packing in potassium that can help minimize muscle cramps, while papayas are good for digestion. Pineapples, on the other hand, are high in vitamin C, which helps improve your immune system. Now combine all these with the health benefits of your pudding, and you have a dessert that is not only delicious but healthy too.
The best part? Making this recipe is easy and can be done at any time. You don’t have to wait for the summer to indulge in this sweet dessert. You can make it if you are craving a healthy snack or when you have guests around.