Sweet Mango Pudding

### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Mango Puree:**
– Start by peeling the mangoes and chopping them into small chunks. If you want a smoother pudding, you can blend the mango chunks in a food processor or blender to make a smooth puree. For a bit of texture, you can leave it slightly chunky.
– Set aside about 1/4 cup of the puree for topping or garnish later (optional), and use the remaining puree in the pudding.

#### 2. **Cook the Pudding Base:**
– In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it starts to warm up but is not boiling.
– In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of cold milk (or water) to make a smooth slurry. This step will help avoid lumps in your pudding.
– Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the warm milk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid any clumps. Continue to cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture begins to thicken and reach a custard-like consistency.

#### 3. **Add the Mango Puree:**
– Once the milk mixture has thickened, add in the mango puree and vanilla extract. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure everything is well combined and the pudding becomes smooth and creamy.
– Taste the pudding and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sugar, depending on how sweet your mangoes are.

#### 4. **Cool and Set:**
– Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pudding cool slightly. Pour the mixture into individual serving bowls or ramekins.
– Once you’ve divided the pudding into serving dishes, allow it to cool to room temperature. Afterward, cover the bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the pudding is set and chilled. This will help the pudding thicken further and develop its creamy texture.

#### 5. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Once the pudding is chilled, it’s time to serve! You can garnish each bowl with fresh mango chunks, a sprig of mint, or a drizzle of coconut milk for added flavor and presentation.
– If you have reserved some mango puree earlier, you can top the pudding with a spoonful of it for extra mango goodness.

### **Tips:**
– **Using Frozen Mangoes:** If fresh mangoes aren’t available, you can use frozen mango chunks. Just thaw them before blending into a puree.
– **Make it Dairy-Free:** Swap out the whole milk for almond or oat milk, and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a completely dairy-free dessert.
– **Add Texture:** For a bit of crunch or texture, you can sprinkle crushed graham crackers or toasted coconut flakes on top before serving.
– **Flavor Variations:** Feel free to add other tropical fruits like pineapple or passion fruit to the pudding for a twist on the classic mango flavor.

### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
– **Tropical Flavor:** The sweet, juicy flavor of mango shines through in this creamy pudding, making it the perfect tropical dessert for any occasion.
– **Simple and Quick:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, and once refrigerated, you’ll have a refreshing, indulgent treat ready to serve.
– **Customizable:** Whether you prefer a dairy-free version or a richer dessert, you can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences.
– **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering, this dessert is sure to impress with its vibrant color and delicious flavor.

### **Conclusion:**
**Sweet Mango Pudding** is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves tropical flavors and creamy textures. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this delicious treat and enjoy a refreshing, sweet finish to any meal. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a tropical treat, this pudding is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you dreaming of summer. Try it today, and savor the smooth, fruity goodness in every bite!