Whether you prefer sweet or savory food, chances are we have a way to spice it up with some crunchy, bright green nuts. Read on to discover ours Favorite recipes with pistachios.
I honestly don’t know when my love for pistachios started. When I was a kid, my mother loved chocolate. My dad, who wasn’t a sweet eater, would reach for vanilla—if he ever reached for anything. My grandmother only ate strawberries all the time.
My love of nuts may have started at The One’s and my first trip to Italy in 1994. (Who can resist gelato, right?) And of course, some of the best pistachios in the world come from Sicily.
Since then, everything has revolved around the green for me. But mainly in sweets. Pistachio cakes, cookies, shortbread and frosting – especially frosting.
If you’re crazy about pistachios, you have to try my incredible pistachio buttercream (below). Apply it to my dear friend Rose Levy Beranbaum’s delicate White Chocolate Whisper Cake. It will change your life. (Okay, fine. I’m exaggerating. But it’ll make your day.)
xo,
This Pistachio Cake with Icing Sugar Glaze is a dense, moist, nutty cake with a firm crumb that will satisfy any pistachio lover. And it makes a copious amount, so you’ll have plenty to share. But beware, it disappears quickly.
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I made this pistachio pound cake and it was amazing! My only fault was not putting an extra piece aside as you suggested. It was succulent, not too sweet, and the pistachios topped it. I’m baking two loaves this weekend and taking one to a party. Great, great recipe.– Clara F.
For these air fryer chicken cutlets, thin chicken breasts are dipped in a nutty lemon coating and then air fried until crispy and golden brown. It’s an easy, healthy weeknight meal.
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This Roasted Squash with Pistachios is a simple and elegant way to spice up plain old roasted winter squash. Just add feta, a pinch of pistachios, a dash of cumin oil and voilà, your side dish is simply a star.
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This Roasted Pumpkin with Pistachios is a great recipe. Easy to make, looks really good on the table and the flavors come together beautifully. I will add this to my repertoire.– Terri
These Apple Spice Crumble Pistachio Muffins are sprinkled with grated apple to make them incredibly moist and flavorful. And they’re topped with buttery brown sugar and pistachio crumbles. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack on the go.
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Properly prepared pistachio ice cream requires only pistachios, milk, cream, egg yolk, sugar and salt for its flavor and color. That’s why real pistachio ice cream is not Frankenstein green. spoon ready!
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This is the BEST Pistachio Gelato Recipe! I totally agree with most of the comments in the guide – like the extra mug to snitch on. However, I had a problem throwing away the soaked nuts after the infusion. I ended up using them in baklava babka, and they were perfect!–Tilly G.
This cake is moist, tender, light, slightly nutty and savory at the same time. It’s the perfect tea cake or served as a dessert with a dollop of Greek yogurt as a side. The olive oil goes very well with lime and pistachios and makes for a very juicy crumb.
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These pistachio shortbread biscuits are tender and crumbly like shortcrust pastry, yet subtly flavored and sweet like biscuits. So which ones are they? Who cares when they taste so delicious!
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I’ve been making these cookies for Christmas for a few years now and I’ve always been asked for the recipe. This year I added a few tablespoons of dried cranberries to make them even more Christmassy. I highly recommend it.– Linda B.
Frequently asked questions about pistachios
What is the best way to store pistachios?
Store your pistachios in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Shelled pistachios have a shorter shelf life than unshelled ones.
Are pistachios a tree nut?
Yes, pistachios are harvested from trees, making them a tree nut. Those with a tree nut allergy should avoid pistachios.
How can I tell if a pistachio is ripe?
The shell should be beige and firm, with a slight opening at one end. The pistachios in the shell should be plump and green. Discard any pistachios that are discolored, shriveled, or taste rancid.
Still looking for ways to enjoy pistachios? Try sprinkling them over your morning oatmeal or lunch salad. Stir them into rice or couscous, or add them to your favorite student mix. Let us know your favorite way to enjoy them in a comment below.
Our 8 best pistachio recipes
It’s obvious that I love pistachios in almost everything. Maybe I prefer to use the nut for desserts, which is why I developed this silky smooth taste ☞ PISTACHIO BUTTERCREAM FROSTING.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a mixer, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the egg yolks until light in color, 3 to 5 minutes.
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In a small saucepan over high heat, combine the water, sugar, and salt, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
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Once the sugar mixture comes to a boil, stop stirring. Continue cooking until the mixture reads 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer, 5 to 10 minutes.
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Set the mixer on low and carefully –carefully, I say!– Slowly drizzle in the sugar syrup, avoiding the rotating beater. Once the simple syrup is incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and continue beating until the mixture has cooled completely, about 5 minutes.☞TESTER TIP: If the egg mixture is even a little warm, the butter will melt and you’ll be left staring at a puddle of frosting and your tears.
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Once the mixture has cooled, add the butter, piece by piece, and beat until the buttercream is delicious and smooth, about 5 minutes.
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Add the pistachio butter and mix until it is silky smooth, about 1 minute.
Portion: 0.25CupCalories: 381kcal (19%)Carbohydrates: 18G (6%)Protein: 2G (4%)Fat: 34G (52%)Saturated Fatty Acids: 20G (125%)Polyunsaturated fat: 2GMonounsaturated fatty acids: 10Gtrans fats: 1GCholesterol: 173mg (58%)Sodium: 12mg (1%)Potassium: 53mg (2%)Fiber: 0.4G (2%)Sugar: 17G (19%)Vitamin A: 1073IU (21%)Vitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 24mg (2%)Iron: 0.4mg (2%)
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