# Strawberry Pudding Recipe: A Creamy, Eggless Delight Crafted with Fresh Strawberries and Agar Agar
Strawberry pudding is an exquisite dessert that truly embodies the flavor of fresh strawberries. This eggless, creamy delight is not just simple to make but also serves as an impressive dessert for occasions such as Valentine’s Day. With its lovely pink color and sweet-tart taste, this pudding is bound to capture hearts.
## Why Make Homemade Strawberry Pudding?
While many choose convenient store-bought instant pudding mixes, preparing pudding from scratch with fresh ingredients takes the dessert experience to a higher plane. Homemade strawberry pudding provides enhanced taste and texture, giving you the ability to adjust sweetness and creaminess to your preference. This recipe incorporates low-fat milk and agar agar (or china grass) instead of gelatin, making it perfect for vegetarians and those seeking a lighter dessert option. For a creamier pudding, whole milk can be used as a substitute.
## Ingredients
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
– 2 cups low-fat milk (or whole milk for a creamier flavor)
– 1/2 cup sugar (modify to your liking)
– 1/4 cup agar agar (china grass)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
## Instructions
1. **Prepare the Agar Agar**: Soak the agar agar in 1 cup of water for approximately 30 minutes. After soaking, heat it in a saucepan on low heat until completely dissolved. Stir constantly to prevent lumps.
2. **Blend the Strawberries**: In a blender, puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. You may leave some small pieces for extra texture if you wish.
3. **Combine Ingredients**: In another saucepan, mix the milk and sugar. Heat gently until the sugar melts. Once dissolved, add the agar agar mixture to the milk and stir thoroughly.
4. **Incorporate Strawberry Puree**: Take the saucepan off heat and stir in the strawberry puree. Add vanilla extract if desired, and mix until well blended.
5. **Set the Pudding**: Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a large bowl. Let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours.
6. **Serve**: After it’s set, serve the pudding chilled. You can garnish it with strawberry syrup, whipped cream, or fresh diced strawberries for a delightful finish.
## Savoring Your Strawberry Pudding
This strawberry pudding recipe yields four individual servings, making it ideal for an after-dinner dessert or a delightful snack for kids post-school. Each bite delivers a smooth, velvety sensation with a hint of tartness from the fresh strawberries, making it a beloved treat for everyone.
If you enjoy strawberries and wish to explore more ways to use them in your desserts, consider trying other recipes such as strawberry cupcakes or strawberry phirni.
### Conclusion
This eggless strawberry pudding recipe is not only straightforward to create but also a delectable way to honor the taste of fresh strawberries. With its rich texture and enjoyable flavor, it’s a dessert that deserves a place in your collection of recipes. Relish this wonderful treat on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion!
