Description
This creamy Pistachio Ice Cream recipe features a rich blend of shelled pistachios, heavy cream, and whole milk, enhanced with vanilla and optional almond extract for a nutty, aromatic flavor. With a smooth yet slightly textured consistency, this homemade ice cream is perfect for pistachio lovers seeking a refreshing frozen treat with vibrant color and nutty crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Ice Cream Base
- 1 cup shelled pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional, for a vibrant color)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pistachios: Finely chop the pistachios in a food processor until they form almost a paste but retain some small chunks for texture, giving the ice cream a delightful nutty crunch.
- Heat the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar completely dissolves. Avoid bringing it to a boil. Remove from heat once done.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the chopped pistachios, vanilla extract, almond extract if using, a pinch of salt, and green food coloring if desired, mixing thoroughly for color and flavor integration.
- Chill the Mixture: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to ensure thorough chilling and flavor melding.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn following the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.
- Serve: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and garnish with extra chopped pistachios for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of pistachios for a lighter or more intense nutty flavor.
- Adding green food coloring is optional but enhances the traditional pistachio ice cream appearance.
- For a smoother texture, some recipes suggest blending the pistachios into a paste completely before mixing.
- If you do not have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture and stir vigorously every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals.
- Store ice cream in a sealed container to prevent freezer burn and preserve freshness.
