# Strawberry Pudding Recipe: A Creamy, Eggless Delight with Fresh Strawberries and Agar-Agar for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, affection, and, naturally, scrumptious desserts! This year, I decided to create a rich strawberry pudding that not only embodies the spirit of the day with its lovely pink color but also highlights the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh strawberries. With just a few ingredients and an egg-free method, this creamy treat is guaranteed to charm your loved ones.
## Why Opt for Homemade Strawberry Pudding?
Although pre-packaged instant pudding mixes offer ease, nothing compares to the flavor and quality of homemade pudding crafted from the ground up. This strawberry pudding recipe is straightforward to make, enabling the use of fresh components and providing superior taste and consistency. By choosing low-fat milk and agar-agar (commonly referred to as china grass) instead of gelatin, this dessert becomes a more nutritious choice without sacrificing flavor.
## Ingredients
To create this scrumptious strawberry pudding, you will need:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, cleaned and pureed
– 2 cups low-fat milk (or whole milk for a creamier taste)
– 1/2 cup sugar (can be adjusted according to preference)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon agar-agar (china grass)
– A pinch of salt
– Optional garnishes: strawberry syrup, whipped cream, or diced fresh strawberries
## Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Agar-Agar
1. In a small saucepan, mix the agar-agar with 1/2 cup of water. Let it soak for approximately 10 minutes.
2. After soaking, heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the agar-agar fully dissolves. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Once dissolved, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
### Step 2: Create the Strawberry Mixture
1. In a blender, puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. You can keep some chunks if you like a bit of texture in your pudding.
2. In another saucepan, combine the low-fat milk and sugar. Warm the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Avoid boiling.
3. When the milk is heated, incorporate the agar-agar mixture, stirring well to combine.
### Step 3: Combine and Set
1. Pour the strawberry puree into the milk and agar-agar mixture, stirring until thoroughly combined.
2. Transfer the mixture into individual serving cups or a larger bowl.
3. Let the pudding cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to set.
### Step 4: Serve
When it’s time to serve, feel free to top the pudding with your preferred strawberry syrup, whipped cream, or fresh strawberry slices. Each spoonful will be creamy, velvety, and filled with the delightful taste of strawberries.
## Conclusion
This eggless strawberry pudding is not merely a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that adds joy to any event, particularly Valentine’s Day. With its light consistency and perfectly balanced sweetness, it’s a pleasure that everyone, children included, will enjoy. Furthermore, it’s a fantastic way to make the most of fresh strawberries while they are at their peak.
If you cherish strawberries and wish to seek more inspiration, don’t miss out on my [incredible strawberry cupcakes recipe](https://www.sailusfood.com/2013/02/13/strawberry-cupcakes-recipe/).
So, gather your ingredients and prepare to dazzle your loved ones with this charming homemade strawberry pudding!
