### Strawberry Pudding Recipe: An Egg-Free, Creamy Delight Crafted with Fresh Strawberries and Agar Agar
Strawberry pudding is a charming dessert that encapsulates the flavor of fresh strawberries, making it a superb selection for memorable events like Valentine’s Day. This egg-free recipe is not only easy to make but also yields a creamy, smooth pudding that is guaranteed to impress.
#### Ingredients
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and blended
– 2 cups low-fat milk (or whole milk for a more indulgent flavor)
– 1/2 cup sugar (adjust according to preference)
– 1/4 cup agar agar (china grass)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
– Fresh strawberries or whipped cream for garnishing
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Agar Agar**:
– Soak the agar agar in 1 cup of warm water for around 10 minutes. This aids in better dissolution when heated.
2. **Cook the Agar Agar**:
– In a saucepan, warm the soaked agar agar mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until fully dissolved. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes. Avoid boiling it.
3. **Combine Ingredients**:
– In a separate saucepan, mix the pureed strawberries, milk, and sugar. Heat this mixture on low until the sugar has completely dissolved. If desired, add the vanilla extract at this point.
4. **Mix Agar Agar with Strawberry Mixture**:
– When the strawberry and milk mixture is warm, gradually incorporate the dissolved agar agar while stirring continuously to maintain a uniform texture.
5. **Set the Pudding**:
– Transfer the mixture into individual serving cups or a large bowl. Let it cool at room temperature for a while, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2-3 hours or until firm.
6. **Serve**:
– After setting, serve the pudding chilled. Garnish with fresh strawberries, strawberry syrup, or whipped cream as preferred.
#### Tips
– **Adjust Sweetness**: Based on the sweetness of your strawberries, it may be necessary to modify the sugar amount.
– **Milk Options**: For a richer taste, opt for whole milk rather than low-fat milk.
– **Flavor Variations**: Try incorporating other fruits or flavorings to develop different versions of this pudding.
#### Conclusion
This strawberry pudding recipe offers a fantastic way to savor the vibrant flavors of strawberries in a creamy, egg-free dessert. Its velvety texture and delightful flavor make it a perfect indulgence for any occasion, particularly for a romantic evening or a sweet surprise for friends and family. With few ingredients and straightforward preparation, this pudding is destined to become a staple in your dessert collection. Relish the wonderful experience of homemade strawberry pudding that is both airy and indulgent!