Sago at Gulaman
Sago at Gulaman is a typical drink which can be found in many restaurants.
Sago is a tapioca starch and Gulaman is jelly. The combination of these two main ingredients are not only the main ingredients for Sago at Gulaman but also other Filipino drinks.
8 cups water
1 bar gulaman (agar-agar), flaked (or 1 tbsp. gelatin powder)
1/2 cup dried tapioca pearls (sago), boiled (yield 2 cups)
1-1/2 cups dark brown sugar
ice cubes
1. Prepare the Gulaman (Jelly): In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the gulaman (agar-agar) flakes; stir constantly over low heat until flakes are completely melted (if using gelatin powder, stir until the powder is completely dissolved). Transfer to a tray (or baking dish); set aside to cool at room temperature. When cooled, it should be firm; cut into small dice using a knife.
2. Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In the same saucepan, bring the remaining water to a boil. Add the sugar; stir constantly over medium heat for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. Place cooked tapioca pearls and jelly in glasses. Pour the syrup into the glasses; top with ice cubes as desired. Alternatively, place them to a punch bowl with lots of ice cubes on top.
Sago at Gulaman serves 4 to 6.