Description
A creamy, nutty dessert spread made from blended pistachios, perfect for topping pancakes, filling pastries, or simply enjoying with a spoon.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (120g) shelled, unsalted pistachios
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, cold
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (for enhanced flavor)
- Optional: Green food coloring (gel or liquid, for a more vibrant color)
Instructions
- Blanch the Pistachios: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the pistachios and let them boil for about 1 minute.
- Drain and Rinse: Immediately drain the pistachios and rinse them under cold water.
- Peel the Pistachios: Pinch each pistachio between your fingers to slip off the skin. Rub between a clean kitchen towel if skins are stubborn.
- Dry the Pistachios: Spread the peeled pistachios on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry.
- Grind the Pistachios: Place the dried, peeled pistachios in your blender or food processor. Pulse a few times to break them down into smaller pieces.
- Add Sugar and Butter: Add the granulated sugar and softened butter to the pistachios.
- Process Until Smooth: Process the mixture continuously, scraping down the sides as needed. Add a teaspoon of milk at a time if the mixture seems too dry.
- Check the Consistency: The pistachio paste should be thick and spreadable. Add a tiny bit more softened butter or a teaspoon of milk if needed.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the pistachio paste, cold heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Add almond extract or green food coloring, if using.
- Whip the Cream: Using an electric mixer, whip the mixture on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the pistachio cream and adjust the sweetness or flavor as needed.
- Chill (Optional): For the best flavor and texture, chill the pistachio cream in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use unsalted pistachios for the best flavor profile.
- Allowing the cream to chill enhances its flavor and texture.
- Feel free to experiment with the optional flavorings to find your perfect combination.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending and Whipping
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg