Taro Boba Milk Tea

1.Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium pot.

2.Add the tapioca pearls to the boiling water and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 20 minutes, until pearls are soft and chewy.

3.Once cooked, drain tapioca pearls and rinse under cold water. If desired, soak pearls in a small amount of sugar or honey syrup to keep them sweet and moist.

4.While the tapioca cooks, place diced taro root and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until taro is very tender, about 15 minutes.

5.Drain any excess water from the cooked taro and transfer to a blender.

6.Add milk, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract (if using) to the blender with the taro. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more sugar or condensed milk if desired.

7.Fill serving glasses halfway with ice cubes.

8.Divide the cooked tapioca pearls evenly among the glasses, placing them at the bottom.

9.Pour the taro milk mixture over the tapioca pearls and ice in each glass.

10.Stir gently before drinking to combine the chewy pearls with the creamy taro milk tea.

11.Serve immediately with wide straws suitable for boba pearls.