Pistachios are the kind of kernels that look as good as they taste.
Behind their neutral shell, these vibrant green nuts are often cited as a superfood for their health benefits – they’re rich in nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, fibre and high in protein.
These little nuggets of goodness grow on trees in warm, dry climates, and we’ve been devouring them since day dot.
So deliciously moreish, you can happily munch away on pistachios as a salted snack until the end of time – or at least until the next bowl is proffered.
Read: Just a handful of nuts and seeds every day could save your life
We’ve prised a whole bunch of pistachios out of their shells to inspire some truly terrific dishes, from starters, to mains to much, much more.
1. Prosciutto and Rocket Salad
This sophisticated salad comes in the shape of hard boiled eggs, green leaves, ham, grated Grana Padano and olives, but it’s the chopped pistachios that give it extra bite – and they pair so well with the savoury, nutty flavours of the cheese.
2. Wild Yeast Bread with Pistachios
Similar to sourdough, wild yeast bread often includes batches of dried fruit or other ingredients such as herbs, fresh fruit, or for purposes here, pistachios.
3. Blood Orange, Bitter Leaf and Pistachio Salad
Blood oranges lend themselves brilliantly to salads, and we’re especially drawn to this one with halloumi, topped off with the crunch of pistachio.
4. Indian Sweetcorn Fritters
Wondering what to cook this weekend? We think these Indian sweetcorn fritters spiked with pistachios tick all our healthy vegie boxes.
Read: Which nut is best for your heart?
5. Seared Swordfish Steaks with Pistachio Olive Tapenade
It’s hard to top this famous Sicilian dish that’s loved for its zesty freshness, but if you had to, a tangy pistachio olive tapenade spooned on top is just the ticket.
6. Pâté and Pistachios
Country pâté and pistachios go hand in hand. All that’s missing is a delicious glass of Beaujolais, cheers!
7. Soft Rasmalai
An Indian dessert famed for its gentle sweetness and sometimes saved for special occasions and weddings, pistachios are the cherry on the cake.
8. Lemon Scones with Pistachios
If you’re asking yourself: ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ you’re not alone. Why limit yourself to a classic scone or lemon drizzle cake when you can unite the two, and throw some chopped pistachios into the mix?
Read: Pistachio and Cranberry Cookies
9. Goat’s Cheese with Pistachios, Raisins and Honey
If you love a warm goats’ cheese salad, go one step further and feature it on your dessert menu, with the added bonus of pistachios and some chilli flakes for a spicy kick. We’re in.
10. Pistachio Pinwheels
All that’s missing on these swirl cookies is a scoop of pistachio ice cream. Yum.
Are you a fan of pistachios? Which recipe on this list is the most enticing to you? Let us know in the comments section below.
– With PA
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