pistachio spread somewhere and wanted more. And with good reason: this green wonder is addictive!
Some people still believe that pistachios are only for ice cream, but no! Today we're going to change that with a homemade pistachio cream recipe
They say it's pistachio Nutella , and while the concept is tempting, the reality is that it has a personality all its own. Let's discover together how to make it and all the uses homemade pistachio spread in the kitchen.
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About Pistachio Cream
Homemade pistachio spread is a creamy paste made from ground pistachios. It can be used plain or with the addition of a fat such as coconut oil or butter . Some versions can be topped with sugar or sweetener, and even condensed milk or white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
The most important thing is that, just like in pistachio butter , the absolute protagonist in this recipe is the pistachio .
Unlike other nut spreads, such as hazelnut spread, pistachio spread has a more refined , less cloying flavor with a slightly salty aftertaste, making it perfect for a variety of combinations.
In Spain, its popularity has exploded in recent years, and it can be found not only in bakeries but also in supermarkets. However, homemade pistachio always has advantages: you can customize it, control the ingredients, and achieve an incredible texture and flavor.
The many uses of homemade pistachio cream
- To spread: On bread, toast, croissants or even on crackers.
- As a filling: Ideal for sweet cakes, chocolates or macarons.
- In desserts: Perfect for ice cream and cold desserts, adding a gourmet touch to any basic recipe.
- In sweet recipes : To make mousses, creams or sweet sauces , combining it with cream or chocolate.
- As a topping: In yogurts, fruit bowls or porridge .
- In savory recipes: In pasta sauce , in vinaigrettes or as a dip to accompany cheeses.
6 Recipes with pistachio cream
- Pistachio Tiramisu : A sophisticated twist on the classic Italian tiramisu . Instead of mascarpone cream , it's blended with pistachio cream for a richer flavor and an irresistible green color, and sprinkled with crushed pistachios instead of cocoa.
- Pistachio Cream-Filled Croissants : Imagine a flaky, golden, and crispy croissant with a creamy pistachio filling that oozes with the first bite. You can fill them after baking, or add the cream beforehand so the flavor permeates the entire pastry.
- Pistachio cream ice cream: A few spoonfuls on top of ice cream is simply a delight.
- Pistachio Cream Filled Cookies: You can make classic butter cookies with a few spoonfuls to add color and flavor.
- Pistachio Cheesecake: A cheesecake with a crushed biscuit base and a mixture of cream cheese and pistachio cream . When baked, it has a soft texture and an incredible aroma. It can be decorated with chopped pistachios for the perfect finishing touch.
- Marbled Brownies: A chocolate brownie with swirls of pistachio cream on top, which creates a marbled effect . The contrast between the rich chocolate and the sweet pistachio is a winning combination.
The best combinations for the pistachio cream recipe
The pistachio is a nut with a strong personality, yet it also has a versatility that allows it to be combined with a wide variety of flavors. Its slightly sweet profile and toasted note make it suitable for both sweet and savory recipes.
In the world of desserts, pistachio cream finds a perfect ally in chocolate . Whether white, milk, or dark, its creaminess contrasts beautifully with the earthy notes of pistachios.
- It also makes an excellent pairing with fruits, especially those with a touch of acidity, such as red berries, oranges or figs , which highlight their flavor.
Another great companion is creamy cheeses like ricotta, mascarpone or even a good cream cheese , which help to soften the intensity of the pistachio.
Is homemade pistachio cream the same as pistachio Nutella?
It earned its nickname because, like Nutella , it's a nut spread designed to be spread and enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes. However, there are some key differences:
- Less sugar: Pistachio spread doesn't need tons of sugar to be delicious. It can even be made sugar-free for savory recipes.
- Palm oil free: Unlike commercial Nutella, this recipe takes care with the quality of the fats.
- More intense and natural flavor: No artificial additives that overshadow the pistachio.
- Healthier: If the right ingredients are chosen, it can be a very nutritious option.
7 Tips for a Perfect Pistachio Cream Recipe
- Choosing pistachios: Use good quality, unsalted pistachios for a pure flavor.
- Prepare them: toast the pistachios to intensify their aroma.
- Process: Always in intervals to prevent the mixture from getting too hot.
- Make it creamy: Add a little oil (coconut or neutral) to improve the texture.
- Sweeten: If you want it sweeter, choose honey or powdered sugar instead of regular sugar.
- Storage: Store pistachio spread in glass containers or airtight containers. It can stay fresh for about two weeks, if well refrigerated .
- Consistency: If it is too thick, add a splash of milk until the desired consistency is achieved.
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Pistachio cream recipe
Yields: 1 jar of 250 g
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 200 g of shelled and unsalted pistachios
- 50 g icing sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon of coconut or neutral oil (note that coconut oil solidifies better when cold)
- 50 g white chocolate (optional)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 30 ml of milk or cream (optional, for a smoother texture)
How to make pistachio cream step by step
- Toast the pistachios in a pan over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure even browning.
- Let it cool and process until you get a paste .
- Gradually add the powdered sugar or honey and oil, while continuing to process, until the mixture becomes creamier.
- If using, add the melted , slightly warm white chocolate and mix well to combine.
- If the cream is too thick, add the milk or cream little by little, processing between each addition until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Store in an airtight container and enjoy.
