What You Need to Know
Haupia is made by heating coconut milk with sugar and cornstarch to create a thick and creamy dessert through gelation and starch retrogradation. The mixture is typically heated to a temperature of around 180°F (82°C) to 190°F (88°C) to achieve the desired consistency.
Key Parameters
Equipment
heavy-bottomed saucepanwooden paddlecoconut grater
Steps
- 1.
Haupia pie (Hawaii): Provides the creamy coconut layer in this iconic dessert
- 2.
Kulolo topping (Polynesia): Contrasts texturally with dense taro pudding
- 3.
Poi accompaniment (Samoa): Sweet counterpoint to fermented taro
The Science
Primary Reaction
starch gelation