🇲🇻 Maldivian Cuisine

Saagu Bondibai

Sago Coconut Pudding

Prep Time 30 min
Servings 6
Difficulty Easy
Calories 252 kcal

A creamy, aromatic dessert of sago pearls cooked in sweetened coconut milk with cardamom, rose water, and a sprinkle of crushed nuts.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sago pearls, soaked 30 minutes
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 200ml water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 cardamom pods, crushed
  • 1 tbsp rose water
  • 2 tbsp crushed cashews
  • 1 tbsp ghee
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. 1 Soak sago pearls in water for thirty minutes until slightly swollen. Drain well.
  2. 2 Bring coconut milk and water to a gentle boil in a heavy saucepan. Add drained sago pearls and stir continuously.
  3. 3 Add sugar and crushed cardamom pods. Reduce heat to low and cook fifteen minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
  4. 4 The pudding is ready when sago pearls turn translucent and the mixture thickens to a creamy porridge consistency.
  5. 5 Remove from heat and stir in rose water. Toast crushed cashews in ghee until golden.
  6. 6 Pour into serving bowls and top with toasted cashews. Serve warm or chilled depending on preference.

Did You Know?

Saagu Bondibai is the first dessert Maldivian children learn to make, as it requires only stirring and patience.

From The Culinary Codex — http://theculinarycodex.com/dish/maldivian/saagu-bondibai/