Ingredients:
- 2 cups of tapioca flour
- 1 cup of grated coconut
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix the tapioca flour, grated coconut, and sugar.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and melted butter. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
- Finally, add the baking powder and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Slowly incorporate the dry components into the liquid ones, stirring thoroughly after each incorporation.
Benefits:
Tapioca is a good source of iron, which can help prevent anemia. It’s also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with celiac disease or a sensitivity to gluten. Plus, the coconut in this recipe provides healthy fats and fiber.
Fun Facts:
- Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava root, a plant native to Brazil.
- It’s often used in gluten-free baking and as a thickening agent in soups and sauces.
- Despite its name, tapioca flour is actually a type of starch, not a flour.
- In Brazil, tapioca is often used to make a type of crepe called “beiju”.
Inquisitiveness:
- Bubble Tea: Tapioca pearls, made from tapioca starch, are a key ingredient in bubble tea, a popular drink that originated in Taiwan. The pearls are cooked in a mixture of water, sugar, and sometimes food coloring, until they become soft and chewy.
- Pudding: In the United States, tapioca is often used to make a sweet pudding. The tapioca pearls are soaked in milk and then cooked with eggs and sugar to create a creamy dessert.
- Flatbread: In parts of Africa and South America, tapioca is used to make a type of flatbread. The tapioca flour is mixed with water and then spread out on a hot griddle to cook.
- Gluten-Free Baking: Because it’s naturally gluten-free, tapioca flour is a popular choice for gluten-free baking. It can be used to make everything from bread and pancakes to cookies and cakes.
- Thickening Agent: Tapioca is a powerful thickening agent. It’s often used in soups, sauces, and pie fillings. Unlike some other starches, tapioca remains clear and shiny once it’s cooked, so it’s a good choice when you want a thickener that won’t change the appearance of your dish.
- Energy Source: Tapioca is almost pure starch, so it’s a great source of quick energy. It’s often included in the diets of athletes and others who need a quick burst of energy.
- Worldwide Cultivation: While tapioca is native to Brazil, today it’s cultivated and used in cuisines around the world, from Africa and Asia to Europe and the Americas.
- Nutrition: Tapioca is almost entirely starch, made up of nearly pure simple carbohydrates with hardly any trace of protein, fat, or minerals. It’s a basic source of energy that powers cells of the body and is typically digested quickly.
- Gluten-Free: Tapioca is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Many gluten-free products use tapioca flour in their production process.
- Digestion: Tapioca has a reputation for being gentle on the stomach. Many people find it easier to digest than flours made from grains or nuts.
- Weight Increase: Individuals who need to put on weight rapidly may find it advantageous to incorporate tapioca into their meals
- Calcium Source: Tapioca can be a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.
- Low Sodium: Tapioca is low in sodium, making it a good choice for people looking to limit their sodium intake.
- Iron Source: Tapioca can also be a good source of iron.