Ji Mai Lo ~ Sai Mai Lo with Purple Rice

As you know I love Sai Mai Lo. I also like to experiment by adding different ingredients to make variations on this favorite. A popular addition is purple rice, which really is black glutinous rice.

Ji Mai Lo

1 C black glutinous rice
18 C (4.5 liters) of water
3/4 to 1 C rock sugar (I use about 3/4 of a box)
1 C tapioca pearls
2-3 C water
1 can coconut milk (approx 400 mL)
1 can evaporated milk (approx 370 mL)
mango pulp (optional)

1. In a large pot, bring 4.5 L of water to a boil.

2. While waiting for water to boil, rinse rice and drain. Once water boils, add rice to pot. Turn heat to medium-low and cover. Occasionally check to make sure pot does not boil over and give a stir.

3. After 30 – 40 minutes add rock sugar. Stir occasionally.

4. Meanwhile, bring the 2-3 C of water to a boil (I do this in a kettle). Place tapioca pearls in a medium-sized heat-proof bowl. Pour the 2-3 C of boiling water over the tapioca and stir lightly. Let soak for approximately 5 minutes. This starts the cooking process for the pearls and may help in preventing clumps (I still get a lot of clumps though). Though I've never tried, this step may be skipped. If you do opt out of this step omit the 2-3 C of water.

5. Test the sugar mixture to see if it is sweet enough. You will still be adding 4 more cups of liquid to this so if it is a little more on the sweet side, it is okay. Also, if you are serving this chilled, I would recommend that you make it on the sweeter side. Add tapioca to the pot and cook on medium-low heat. Cook and stir until tapioca becomes clear. If the tapioca is clumpy, use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break them up. DO NOT cover the pot as it will boil over (I learned that the hard way and that was with the stove turned off!).

6. Remove from heat and if you want, you can put the pot in an ice bath (I'm usually in a rush to eat it and I like this dessert chilled). Stir in the coconut milk and evaporated milk to the pot. It is ready to eat. Serve hot, warm, or chilled.