Directions

1. In a small saucepan, heat water, food colour (if using) and sugar over medium heat. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Then turn off the heat.

2. Add about 1/2 of the tapioca starch and stir until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps.

3. Return to heat and stir the mixture until it starts thickening. Once it becomes thicker, remove from the heat.

4. Add the rest of the tapioca starch and mix well until you obtain a sticky dough.

5. On your clean work surface, knead the dough until it becomes uniform, soft and elastic. Add some extra starch if it is too sticky.

6. Divide the dough into 6 portions and roll into thin long rod-like pieces. Ensure that each piece is thin, as the boba pearls will expand when cooked.

7. Cut the rolls into small pieces. Then quickly roll each into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Dust with extra tapioca starch to prevent sticking together. 
   

8. At this stage you can place in ziplock bags and freeze boba for use at another time.

cook tapioca pearls

1. Bring a large saucepan, half filled with water to the boil. Gently add boba, stiring well, so they don’t stick to the bottom or each other.

2. Cover the saucepan and boil for 20 minutes, then let them rest for another 20 minutes. 

3. Strain the boba and cover with brown sugar, stirring so that the sugar melts and creates a syrup. 

make milk tea

1. In a mug, pour 1/2 cup hot water over teabags and steep, allow to cool for a few minutes.

2. In a cup, add in the brown sugar boba, swirl around glass for effect. Add in tea, ice, and milk. Enjoy!