Why You Need This Homemade Taro Ball Red Bean Grass Jelly Recipe
Let’s be real—when the summer heat hits, there’s nothing better than a cold, creamy, chewy bowl of taro ball red bean grass jelly. It’s like a hug for your taste buds! This recipe is my go-to for those sweltering days when I want something sweet, refreshing, and totally satisfying. The best part? You can make it at home with simple ingredients, and the taro balls are so fun to make (even if you’re a beginner).
Oh, and a quick heads up: I tend to make a larger batch of the milk-coconut sauce because it’s so versatile. It goes perfectly with sago, black grass jelly, or even just drizzled over fruit. But if you’re short on time or ingredients, feel free to halve the sauce recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
First, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll need:
- 2 medium purple sweet potatoes (taro works too, but I love the vibrant color of purple sweet potatoes)
- A small piece of pumpkin (about 1 cup cubed)
- Wooden tapioca starch (the key to chewy taro balls)
- 10g sugar (split into two 5g portions)
- 1 block of grass jelly (pre-made or homemade—see my other recipe for how to make it!)
- 2 tablespoons red bean paste or cooked red beans (I use store-bought sweetened red beans for convenience)
- 200ml coconut milk (canned or fresh—full-fat for extra creaminess)
- 500ml milk (whole milk is best, but plant-based milk works too)
- 3 tablespoons condensed milk (adjust to taste—more for sweeter, less for lighter)
How to Make Taro Balls
Step 1: Steam the Purple Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkin
Start by peeling and slicing the purple sweet potatoes and pumpkin into thin pieces. The thinner they are, the faster they’ll cook. Place them in a steamer basket and steam for 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a chopstick can easily pierce through the pieces.
Look at that! Nice and tender. No one wants undercooked veggies in their taro balls—trust me, it’s a texture disaster.
Step 2: Mash and Sweeten
Once steamed, transfer the pumpkin to a sieve or bowl and mash it into a smooth paste. Add 5g of sugar and mix well. Do the same with the purple sweet potatoes—mash them into a paste and add the remaining 5g of sugar. The sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
Step 3: Mix with Tapioca Starch
Now for the fun part: making the dough! For the purple sweet potato paste, slowly add tapioca starch. There’s no fixed amount—just keep adding until the mixture forms a soft, pliable dough. It should be firm enough to hold its shape but not too dry. If it’s too sticky, add a little more starch; if it’s too crumbly, add a tiny bit of water (but go easy—you don’t want it too wet).
Repeat the process with the pumpkin paste. The pumpkin might be a bit wetter than the purple sweet potato, so you might need more starch. Just keep mixing until you get a smooth dough.
Step 4: Shape the Taro Balls
Take a small portion of the purple sweet potato dough and roll it into a long, thin strip. Then, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. You can leave them as squares or roll them into balls—either way, they’ll taste amazing. Toss the pieces in a little extra tapioca starch to prevent sticking.
Do the same with the pumpkin dough. Pro tip: Keep the dough covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out.
Step 5: Cook the Taro Balls
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the taro balls into the boiling water. Let them cook until they float to the surface—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they float, cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked. Then, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and make them extra chewy.
Making the Creamy Sauce
Now, let’s make the star of the show—the creamy sauce! In a bowl, mix together the coconut milk, milk, and condensed milk. Stir until the condensed milk is fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness by adding more condensed milk if you like it sweeter. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use less condensed milk or substitute with honey.
Assemble Your Dessert
It’s time to put it all together! Take a bowl and add the grass jelly (cut into cubes), the cooked taro balls, and the red beans. Pour the creamy sauce over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Then, grab a spoon and dig in!
Final Thoughts
This homemade taro ball red bean grass jelly is the perfect summer treat. It’s easy to make, customizable, and so delicious. The chewy taro balls, sweet red beans, and creamy sauce come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s a great activity to do with friends or family—everyone loves rolling the taro balls!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!
