If you're looking for a highly concentrated pistachio paste to add flavor to your ice cream or even desserts like macarons or creams, you've come to the right place. This version is denser, with a much more intense pistachio flavor. It's ideal for making authentic pistachio ice cream with the Ninja Creami or for adding to a vanilla ice cream base.
Ingredients :
- 250g of unsalted, shelled pistachios
- 50 g of sugar
- 30 ml of water
- 1 tablespoon of neutral oil (sunflower or grapeseed)
- 1 teaspoon of bitter almond extract (optional but recommended to intensify the flavor)
- A pinch of salt
Preparation :
- Blanch the pistachios.
To obtain a smooth and concentrated pistachio paste, start by blanching the pistachios. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, plunge the pistachios in for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain them and plunge them into a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Then remove the skins by rubbing the pistachios between your fingers. - Roast the pistachios.
Once the pistachios are peeled, roast them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 150°C. This will enhance their aroma and give even more character to your dough. - Prepare the syrup.
While the pistachios are cooling, heat the water and sugar in a small saucepan to make a syrup. Cook it over low heat until it reaches a slightly syrupy consistency, without letting it caramelize. - Intensive blending:
Put the roasted pistachios in a blender and start blending. You'll need to blend for a few minutes to get a grainy texture. Then add the syrup and continue blending until the paste starts to form. - Add the oil and extract.
Add the neutral oil and bitter almond extract (if using). Continue blending until you obtain a smooth, concentrated paste. Don't hesitate to blend for a long time to achieve a truly homogeneous texture. If the paste is too thick, you can adjust it with a little more oil, but be careful. - Store your paste.
Once ready, store your concentrated pistachio paste in an airtight container. It will keep for up to a month in the refrigerator, but be warned, it's so delicious it's likely to disappear much faster!
Ninja Creami Tip:
This concentrated pistachio paste is perfect for making pistachio ice cream with the Ninja Creami. Simply add it to your base before churning for a rich, flavorful ice cream worthy of the finest gelaterias. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can also incorporate it into chocolate or even hazelnut ice cream. A small spoonful in your vanilla ice cream will also make all the difference!
And there you have it, an ultra-concentrated homemade pistachio paste, ready to elevate all your frozen creations. You'll see, the taste is incomparable to store-bought. I recommend trying it on your next Ninja Creami ice cream; you'll love it!
