Pistachio Paste
Description
Pistachio paste is a concentrated, unsweetened spread made from finely ground pistachios. It's created by roasting pistachios to release their natural oils, then blending them until a thick paste forms, often with minimal ingredients like a bit of oil or water. It's a versatile ingredient used in baking for flavor, or it can be a standalone spread or topping.
What it is
Made from pistachios: The primary ingredient is pistachios, typically skinless kernels, blended into a paste.
Unsweetened: High-quality pistachio paste is unsweetened, which allows the pure, earthy flavor of the nut to stand out.
Thick and grainy: Its texture is thick and can have a slightly grainy consistency, similar to other nut butters.
Natural color: The color can range from a greenish hue to a browner shade, depending on the type of pistachios used and whether their skins are removed.
How it's made
Roasting: Pistachios are lightly roasted to help bring out their flavor and make them easier to grind.
Grinding: The roasted nuts are then ground for an extended period in a food processor or blender.
Simple ingredients: The process is simple, sometimes involving just the nuts, though a small amount of added liquid like water or oil may be used to help the process along.
What it's used for
Baking: It's a key ingredient for adding a pistachio flavor to cakes, cookies, and pastries.
Desserts: It's frequently used as a filling for macarons and other desserts or incorporated into ice creams and creams.
Spreads and toppings: It can be used as a spread on toast or as a topping for other dishes.
Type
Nut