Tapioca Pudding

Tapioca is the starch extracted from cassava, also called manioc; it is a root of great nutritional value in the countries where it is grown, starting from South America and extending through Africa and Asia. Tapioca is a gluten-free food, making it nutritionally more versatile. To prepare the tapioca, read the instructions on the package of the tapioca you buy. Some small tapioca pearls require soaking overnight in water. If your package has that requirement, reduce the milk in the recipe to 2 1/2 cups instead of 3 cups. If it does not require soaking, you can cook it for about 7 minutes to achieve the characteristic gelatinous consistency.