Decadent Homemade Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients

1 ½ cups of unsalted shelled pistachios
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 cups of whole milk
1 cup of heavy cream
5 large egg yolks
½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon of fine salt
Green food coloring (optional)

Steps and instructions

Place the pistachios and 1/4 cup of sugar in a food processor and blend until finely ground.
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until it reaches a simmer.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining sugar until well combined.
Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and stir in the pistachio mixture, vanilla extract, and salt.
If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to enhance the color.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Process the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Tools for making

Food processor - Used to finely grind the pistachios.
Medium saucepan - Used to heat and simmer the milk and cream mixture.
Whisk - Used to combine the egg yolks and sugar, and to whisk the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture.
Spoon - Used to stir the custard mixture while heating over low heat.
Ice cream maker - Used to churn and freeze the ice cream mixture.
Lidded container - Used to store the ice cream in the freezer once it has been churned.

Recipe variations

Add chopped pistachios or pistachio paste for extra texture and flavor.
Replace the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Include a swirl of chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for added richness.
Add a teaspoon of rose water or orange blossom water for a floral twist.
Incorporate crushed cardamom or cinnamon for a hint of spice.
Mix in chunks of dark chocolate or white chocolate for a decadent treat.
Experiment with different extracts such as almond or coconut instead of vanilla.
Make it vegan by substituting the dairy milk and cream with almond milk and coconut cream.
Create a pistachio ripple by swirling pistachio butter or jam into the ice cream mixture.
Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder for a pistachio coffee flavor.

Recipe overview

This creamy, homemade Pistachio Ice Cream recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios. Starting from a base of sweet cream and fresh, shelled pistachios, this ice cream recipe is both simple and rewarding to make. With the added optional green food coloring, it's not only delicious and full of natural pistachio goodness, but also a real treat for the eyes. Expect to spend a few hours on this recipe, as it includes time for the mixture to chill and the finished ice cream to freeze. But don't worry, the end result is well worth the wait – a creamy, flavorful dessert that's a delicious standalone treat or a perfect accompaniment to other desserts. Enjoy your homemade, refreshing, and utterly delectable Pistachio Ice Cream!

Common questions

Can I use salted pistachios instead of unsalted? No, it is recommended to use unsalted pistachios to control the saltiness of the ice cream.
Can I substitute the whole milk with a different type of milk? While whole milk is preferred for its richness, you can use lower fat milk such as 2% or even almond milk, but it may affect the creaminess and texture of the ice cream.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of granulated sugar? Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that it may alter the taste and texture of the ice cream.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe? Yes, an ice cream maker is needed to churn the mixture and achieve the desired creamy texture. Without an ice cream maker, it will be challenging to achieve the same results.
Can I omit the food coloring? Yes, the green food coloring is optional and can be omitted. It is used primarily for aesthetics.
How long can I store the pistachio ice cream? You can store the pistachio ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped pistachios? Certainly! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or crushed pistachios during the last few minutes of churning.

Serving dishes and utensils

Ice cream maker - Used to churn the ice cream mixture and create a creamy texture.
Food processor - Used to grind the pistachios into a fine powder.
Medium saucepan - Used to heat the milk and cream mixture.
Whisk - Used to combine the eggs, sugar, and milk mixture.
Spatula - Used to stir the ice cream mixture while heating and to scrape the sides of the saucepan.
Bowl - Used to whisk together the egg yolks and sugar.
Lidded container - Used to store the ice cream in the freezer once it is churned.

Origin stories

The delectable treat we know as pistachio ice cream might trace its roots back to the Middle East, where the rich, creamy dessert was flavored with the pistachios that grow abundantly in the region. However, it was the Italians who first paired pistachios with their traditional gelato. The cool, creamy nature of the ice cream perfectly offset the distinct, slightly sweet flavor of the pistachios. This delightful dessert eventually made its way to America in the early 20th century with the wave of Italian immigrants, and has since become a popular flavor in ice cream parlors across the country. Interestingly, it is often colored green to mimic the color of the pistachio nut - a tradition that began as an advertising gimmick in the 1940s and has stuck around ever since.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.