Indian Sweets using Pistachios

Almost all sweets in India use pistachios in them in one form or the other. They add a crunch and slight sweetness to the desserts. Sometimes we use also use pistachio powder to make the whole sweet or tiny bits just for garnish.

Rice Kheer - It requires very few ingredients, and the procedure is simple as well. Here, the rice is cooked slowly in the milk. Once the rice is cooked, the kheer is sweetened with sugar, flavoured with cardamom and kesar and garnished with some chopped dried nuts, like pistachios.

rice kheer recipe | chawal ki kheer | Indian rice pudding |

Shrikhand – Simple and humble dahi, when removed of its excess whey, gives a beautiful creamy thick yogurt which is then sweetened with powdered sugar, kesar and elaichi. Mix a few pistachios in the end for some crunch and serve your shrikhand cold!

shrikhand recipe | keasr elaichi shrikhand recipe |

Pista Barfi – This barfi is mildly nutty in flavour and has an attractive colour, both of which make it very tempting. For this, the pistachios are first soaked and then blended into a fine paste and then cooked along with sugar and spices.

Pista Barfi

Innovative Recipes using Pistachios

Thandai Mousse – This is a mousse with a desi twist to it! The rich and creamy thandai is set into a mousse that can be served at holi or any other festival too! The ingredients like almonds, khus-khus and cardamom that are present in the thandai syrup give a slightly spicy touch to this mousse.

Thandai Mousse

Pistachio Soup – When we think of green soups, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a green vegetable. The creamy pistachio soup gives a different, yet pleasant mouth feel which is very rustic.

Pistachio Soup

Sweet and Savory Delights: A Note on Indian Recipes using Pistachios

Pistachios, with their vibrant green color and subtle nutty flavor, are a cherished ingredient in Indian cuisine, adding a touch of elegance and richness to both sweet and savory dishes. Here's a glimpse into their diverse applications:

Sweets and drinks:

• Barfi: khajur pista almond barfi is a popular Indian fudge. 

khajur pista almond barfi recipe | no sugar khajur almond mithai | healthy sugar free Indian barfi |

• Kheer: Rice pudding, or kheer, often gets a luxurious upgrade with the addition of chopped pistachios. They not only add a visual appeal but also a subtle nutty crunch that complements the sweetness.
• Gulab Jamun: These rose-flavored syrupy dumplings can be adorned with slivered pistachios for a touch of elegance and a contrasting texture.

gulab jamun recipe | gulab jamun with khoya | Indian mithai | how to make gulab jamun |

• Phirni: A creamy rice pudding flavored with cardamom, phirni can be garnished with chopped pistachios for a festive touch.
• thandai recipe | Rajasthani thandai drink | Homemade thandai Holi and Diwali recipe |

thandai recipe | Rajasthani thandai drink | Homemade thandai Holi and Diwali recipe | how to make thandai powder at home |

Adding Flair to Savory Dishes:

• Biryani and Pulao: Fragrant rice dishes like biryani and pulao are often embellished with toasted pistachios, adding a beautiful pop of color and a delightful textural element.
• Korma Curries: Rich and creamy korma curries, especially those featuring vegetables or paneer, can be garnished with pistachios for a touch of luxury.
• Raita: Cooling yogurt-based raita, served alongside curries, can be enhanced with chopped pistachios for a vibrant appearance and a subtle nutty flavor.
• Chaat: Tangy and savory street food like chaat can be sprinkled with chopped pistachios for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Beyond Garnish:

• Pistachio Paste: In some recipes, ground pistachios are used to create a flavorful paste that adds depth and complexity to curries or gravies. See thandai 
• Stuffed Vegetables: Capsicums or potatoes can be stuffed with a mixture that incorporates ground pistachios for a unique and flavorful vegetarian dish.

Pistachios in Indian cuisine are more than just a garnish; they elevate the visual appeal, add textural contrast, and contribute a subtle nutty flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes. From gracing festive desserts to adding a touch of luxury to everyday meals, pistachios play a versatile and delightful role in the Indian culinary landscape.

Health benefits of pistachios, pista

Pistachios are rich in potassium (helps regulate the body's fluid balance), phosphorus (helps build bones and teeth) and magnesium (important element in the conversion of the body's energy), and are also a good source of vitamin B6 (aids protein metabolism and absorption) and thiamine (enhances energy and promotes normal appetite). These nuts are also a very good source of protein and keep you full for long time. Like walnuts and almonds, pistachios can also cut heart disease risk. Its high monounsaturated fat content may actually lower cholesterol levels in the blood. However pistachios are often sold in salted form. Beware of this as the high sodium level will then negate the potassium content it possesses. The copper, zinc and magnesium in pistachios help to strengthen the immune system, helping us stay fit.

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