A question about a recipe: Himalayan Blackberry Pie

OOPS. I forgot to thank you all for jumping in ....."Thanks all!"

Hi JJGood!

2 tbls. Instant tapioca = 1 tbl cornstarch
Recipe calls for 3 tbls. instant tapioca which would = 1-1/2 tbls cornstarch

http://www.joyofbaking.com/IngredientSubstitution.html

I would dilute the cornstarch with the lemon or lime juice before adding to the remaining step 3 ingredients. Note: one of the reasons (not stated in the recipe) for the ingredients to sit for about 15 minutes is because it helps break up the little tapioca pearls, as well as allowing the flavors to blend – so you would probably not need to let it sit all that long, but it won’t hurt.

PS - I agree with boulangere re: the consistency and mouth feel that cornstarch can't really match the tapioca. Let me know how it comes out!

Another idea is to use 1.5 T cornstarch and grate up an apple to throw in for some pectin to help thicken. Fruit pies thickened with tapioca do tend to taste better than ones thickened with cornstarch, so going to the store may be warranted.

Use half as much cornstarch.

Agree with Ophelia. Unfortunately, this is probably an instance when a trip to the store (or a visit to a neighbor, cup in hand) is warranted. Too, tapioca lends that wonderful consistency and feel on your tongue that cornstarch can't really match.

Corn starch doesn't do terribly well as a thickener in liquids that are acidic, which means that it probably isn't the best choice for huckleberry pie.

if i were using cornstarch instead of instant tapioca, i would probably use just 1 or 2 tablespoons.