Pistachio Paste
Making Pistachio Paste is super easy. This paste is smooth, delicious, and you can use it to make desserts, or simply to eat as pistachio butter.
Servings 1 cup
Calories 300kcal
Equipment
- Pot
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup shelled pistachios* 180 grams
- 4 tbsp water or more
Instructions
- Start by skinning the pistachios if you want to obtain a green paste. If not, skip to the processing part (step 8)
- Bring a pot with 1 quart of water to a boil.
- Once it starts to boil, add the pistachios to the water and let them sit for about 90 seconds in the boiling water.
- Drain the pistachios and rinse them briefly under the cold water.
- Line a baking sheet with a kitchen towel or with paper towels. Spread the pistachios on top of the towel, and rub them gently to help peel the skin.
- Then you might have to individually continue to peel the skins off the pistachios. This can take about 20 or 30 minutes.
- Discard the skins.
- Place the green pistachios in a food processor or blender.
- Process for a minute or so, until the pistachios start to form a paste.
- Add one tablespoon of water at a time, processing in between, until you find a smooth consistency. It can take 4 tablespoons or more.
- Add just enough water to obtain a smooth paste.
- Scrape it into a bowl and it’s ready to be used.
- Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the paste so it doesn't form a skin and dry out.
Storage
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or freeze in a zip loc bag or air tight container for up to 2 months.
Notes
Raw or roasted pistachios: You can use dry roasted, or raw pistachios. I prefer pistachios that come in the shell as opposed to already shelled pistachios, since they will be much harder to remove the skin from.
Skinned pistachios: Removing the skin of the pistachios is not necessary, but if you skip it, the paste won't be a vibrant green, but will have shades of brown.
Sweetener: You can substitute a tablespoon of water for honey or maple syrup to sweeten the paste. And although the unsweetened pistachio paste is delicious on its own, adding a touch of flavor and sweetness to it can make it even better! Adding sweetener can be specially recommended if you will eat the paste spread on toast or pancakes.
Flavors: Also feel free to flavor the pistachio paste by adding vanilla beans, or any extract such as almond. If adding almond extract, I recommend adding just a couple of drops, as it can be overpowering. You can also add a touch or nutmeg or cardamom if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 300kcal