Whether you prefer sweet or savory food, chances are, we’ve got a way to elevate it with some crunchy vibrant green nuts. Read on to discover our favorite recipes with pistachios.
I honestly don’t know when my love for pistachios started. When I was a kid, my mother adored chocolate. My father, who wasn’t a sweet eater, would reach for vanilla–if he reached for anything at all. My grandmother was all strawberry all the time.
My love of the nut may have started on The One’s and my first trip to Italy way back in 1994. (Who can resist gelato, right?) And, of course, some of the finest pistachios in the world come from Sicily.
Since then, I’ve been all about the green. But mostly in sweets. Pistachio cakes, cookies, shortbread, and frosting–especially frosting.
If you’re crazy for pistachios, you have to try my incredible pistachio buttercream (at the very bottom). Slather it on my dear friend Rose Levy Beranbaum’s delicate White Chocolate Whisper Cake. It’ll change your life. (Ok, fine. I exaggerate. But it will make your day.)
xo,
I made this pistachio pound cake and it was amazing! My one mistake was not putting an extra slice on the side for myself as you recommended. It was moist, not too sweet, and the pistachios took it over the top. I am making two loaves this weekend and taking one to a party. Great, great recipe.–Clara F.
This roast squash with pistachios is a great recipe. Easy to put together, looks really good on the table, and the flavours are so nice together. I’ll be adding this to my repertoire.–Terri
This is the BEST pistachio gelato recipe! I totally agree with most of the comments in the instructions – such as the extra cup for snitching. I did, however, have a problem with tossing the soaked nuts after the infusion. I ended up using them in Baklava Babka and they were the perfect touch!–Tilly G.
I’ve been making these cookies for Christmas for the last few years, and I’m always asked for the recipe. This year I added a couple of tablespoons of dried cranberries to make them even more Christmas-y. I highly recommend it.–Linda B.
Pistachio FAQs
What’s 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 will have a shorter shelf life than unshelled ones.
Are pistachios a tree nut?
Yes, pistachios are harvested from trees, making them a tree nut. Persons with tree nut allergies 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 pistachio nut inside the shell should be plump and green in color. Discard any pistachios that are discolored or shriveled or have a rancid flavor.
Still looking for ways to enjoy pistachios? Try sprinkling them over your morning oatmeal or your lunch salad. Stir them into rice or couscous, or add them to your favorite trail mix. Let us know your favorite way to enjoy them in a comment below.
Our 8 Best Pistachio Recipes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 large egg yolks at room temperature
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Generous pinch salt
- 4 sticks (1 lb) unsalted butter softened to room temperature, cut into pieces
- 1/3 cup roasted unsalted pistachio butter or paste
Directions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the yolks until light in color, 3 to 5 minutes.
- In a small saucepan over high heat, combine the water, sugar, and salt, stir constantly to dissolve the sugar.
- Once the sugar mixture comes to a boil stop stirring. Continue to boil until the mixture registers 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Turn the mixer on low, and carefully–carefully, I say!–slowly dribble in the sugar syrup, avoiding the spinning beater. Once the sugar syrup is incorporated, bump the speed up to medium-high and continue beating until the mixture is completely cool, about 5 minutes.☞TESTER TIP: If the egg mixture is even the least bit warm, it'll melt the butter, and you'll be staring at a puddle–of frosting and your tears.
- Once the mixture is cool, add the butter, a knob at a time, beating until the buttercream is luscious and smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Spoon in the pistachio butter and whir to combine until silky smooth, about 1 minute.
Notes
Show Nutrition
If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #LeitesCulinaria. We’d love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
