Ingredients
1 cup raw unsalted pistachios (shelled, skin removed for smoother texture)
2 tablespoons neutral oil (sunflower, grapeseed, or pistachio oil for best flavor)
2 tablespoons sweetener (white sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
¼ cup white chocolate (melted – optional for a creamier and sweeter finish)
1–2 tablespoons condensed milk or plant-based milk (optional, adjust for texture)
Optional Flavor Enhancers
½ teaspoon rose water (adds floral Middle Eastern note)
⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom (earthy, warm spice that complements pistachio)
1 pinch of fine sea salt (enhances overall flavor balance)
1 teaspoon orange blossom water or orange zest (for a citrusy aroma)
Instructions
Blanch and Peel Pistachios
Bring water to a boil, then pour it over the shelled pistachios. Let sit for 1–2 minutes. Drain, then gently rub the skins off using a clean kitchen towel. This step enhances both the color and flavor of the final cream.
Optional Roasting for Flavor
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread peeled pistachios on a baking sheet and roast lightly for 6–8 minutes. Let them cool completely before blending. This step is optional but adds a deeper nutty flavor.
Blend the Pistachios
Transfer pistachios to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until a coarse paste forms. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Add Oil and Sweetener
Gradually add the neutral oil and sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, or maple syrup). Continue blending. The mixture will start to smooth out into a thick paste.
Incorporate Chocolate or Milk
If using, pour in the melted white chocolate and condensed milk or plant milk. Blend again until the cream reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add liquid slowly to avoid over-thinning.
Flavor It (Optional)
For a Dubai-inspired touch, stir in rose water, cardamom, orange blossom, or a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust flavoring as needed.
Cool and Store
Spoon the finished pistachio cream into a clean, airtight glass jar. Let it cool completely, then store at room temperature for up to 1 week (non-dairy), or refrigerate for up to 10 days (if dairy is included).
Notes
For the smoothest pistachio cream, always use a high-powered blender or food processor. Blending may take several minutes—be patient to allow the natural oils to release and create a silky consistency. If the mixture becomes too thick, add extra oil or milk one teaspoon at a time. For a brighter green hue, make sure to remove all skins and avoid over-roasting. This recipe is easy to adapt: use sugar-free white chocolate and a keto sweetener for a low-carb version, or swap condensed milk with coconut milk for a vegan twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending, Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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