Pistachio Recipes for the Win

Pistachio Recipes for the Win

From Dubai chocolate bars to pistachio cakes and cookies, pistachios are having a moment. And with good reason, this little green nut that’s tough to crack has some great nutritional benefits, and it’s tasty, too. And... gasp–it’s actually a seed! Regardless, Sphinx Date Co. dedicates this blog to pistachios—which are, of course, available at the Palm & Pantry and online, too!

Health benefits of pistachios

An article on the Cleveland Clinic website touts the many benefits of pistachios, including aiding in gut health and cholesterol levels. Stating, “these little green gems are a great source of nutrition and are brimming with vitamins and nutrients.”

Furthermore, the article adds, “Making nuts like pistachios a part of your everyday eating is associated with decreased risk of death from cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease.”

Pistachios are not only a rich source of protein, but they are also packed with vitamin B6, “which promotes blood flow by helping carry oxygen through your bloodstream to cells,” and which promotes immune and nervous system health.

Pistachios also contain potassium, even more in a single serving than half of a banana, and feature plant-based compounds that act as antioxidants, such as vitamin E, polyphenols, and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been linked to a “decrease in the risk of developing macular degeneration.”

The article goes on to state that pistachios support healthy cholesterol levels, may lower blood pressure, may support healthy blood vessels, may help lower blood sugar levels, and may even help with weight management. So what’s not to love about this little nut ... ahem, seed. Plus, pistachios are popping up in recipes that are scrumptious and satisfying. Here are some delicious recipe ideas and ways to use pistachios:

The Dubai chocolate bar looks fancy, but it can actually be recreated at home with relatively little fanfare. The only ingredients required are:

  • 4 c. Kataifi, dried and chopped
  • 1 c. pistachio cream
  • 1 Tbsp. tahini
  • 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 16 oz. chocolate, dark or milk

To make this chocolate bar:

  1. Melt the butter in the large frying pan and toast the kataifi until it is golden brown; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, stir the pistachio cream, tahini and salt until combined.
  3. Add the toasted kataifi to the pistachio cream mixture and set aside.
  4. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, then pour the chocolate into a mold(s) and cover completely. Tip the mold(s) to remove excess chocolate; allow to set.
  5. Once set, fill the mold(s) with the pistachio filling, spreading evening over all the chocolate. Do not overfill. 
  6. Pour the remaining chocolate over the filling and smooth it with a spatula to create clean edges.
  7. Place the molds into the refrigerator to set.

Another popular pistachio recipe is Pistachio Shortbread Cookies, which only have five ingredients:

To make these scrumptious shortbreads, follow these directions:

  1. Gently beat the butter in a large bowl, then add sugar to cream together until just combined.
  2. Add flour and mix until the dough begins to form, using hands to finalize this step.
  3. Add 2/3 of the chopped pistachios to the dough; reserve the remainder for topping.
  4. Shape the shortbread into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.
  5. Once the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 340 degrees F, and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Cut the dough into ½-inch thick discs and place them on a cookie sheet, allowing room for the dough to spread as it bakes.
  7. Bake for 11-17 minutes.
  8. Let cool on a rack completely.
  9. Once cooled, melt the chocolate.
  10. Dip part of each shortbread into the melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped pistachios and flaky sea salt.

Pistachios can be a great alternative to walnuts in pesto or salad, used in a baked brie with hot honey or a favorite jam or chopped and mixed into ricotta or mascarpone then stuffed into juicy dates. The possibilities are endless! So stop into the Palm & Pantry for some fresh Arizona-grown pistachios, or order online anytime!

Back to blog