Description
Thai Candied Taro in Coconut Milk (Phuak Chuam) is a traditional Thai dessert made with tender taro cubes simmered in creamy coconut milk, sweetened with palm sugar, and finished with coconut cream for richness. Fragrant pandan leaves add aroma, making it a comforting, authentic treat enjoyed warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 g taro root (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk (thick, first-press if possible)
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (for finishing)
- 1 cup sugar (traditionally palm sugar, but white sugar works)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups water (for boiling taro)
- 2 pandan leaves, knotted (optional, for aroma)
Instructions
- Peel the taro, wash well, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Bring a pot of water to boil, add taro, and cook until nearly tender (about 10–12 minutes). Do not overcook or it will turn mushy. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, combine coconut milk, sugar, salt, and pandan leaves. Simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is fragrant. Do not boil hard, as coconut milk can split.
- Add the cooked taro cubes into the coconut mixture. Simmer gently on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the taro absorbs sweetness and turns glossy. Remove pandan leaves.
- Stir in the coconut cream at the end for richness. Serve warm or at room temperature in small bowls.
Notes
- Use palm sugar for a more authentic caramel-like sweetness.
- Always simmer on low heat to prevent coconut milk from curdling.
- Cut taro evenly so it cooks consistently.
- Pandan leaves are optional but add a signature Thai aroma.
- For a pudding-like texture, mash half the taro before adding to coconut milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 200 g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Thai Candied Taro in Coconut Milk, Thai dessert, taro pudding recipe, taro with coconut milk, Vietnamese taro dessert, taro pudding milk tea, taro in coconut milk Samoan, taro root recipes Filipino, how to cook taro with coconut milk