This is a really special, comforting dessert. The chopped nuts add an unexpected touch of texture.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup small tapioca pearls (not quick-cooking minute tapioca)
• 1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk (light or full-fat)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 5 bananas, peeled, cut lengthwise and then into bite-sized thickness
• 1/4 cup chopped, roasted peanuts

Instructions:

1. In medium saucepan, bring water to boil over high heat. Add tapioca; stir well.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer 15 minutes or so until tapioca pearls have mostly become clear (only a little white remaining).
3. Add coconut milk and sugar; stir well. Simmer until tapioca is clear and cooked, about 4 minutes more. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and then bananas. Let rest to warm bananas.
4. Divide among 6 or 8 dessert cups or bowls. Serve immediately or within 2 hours. Garnish with chopped peanuts just before serving.

(If you will be storing some of this in the refrigerator, store without the bananas. Rewarm when serving – you may need to add a little water or coconut milk to thin slightly – then stir in bananas. Top with nuts before serving.)