Pistachio Ice Cream

Name: Pistachio Ice Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup shelled pistachios; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 2 cups whole milk; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 6 large egg yolks; 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Total Time Prep: 20 min. + chilling Process: 15 min. + freezing

Yield 6 cups

Test Kitchen Approved

Delicate and sophisticated, pistachio ice cream has rich, nutty flavor and a light green tinge thanks to the addition of freshly ground pistachios. Our version, made using a custard base, has a thick and very scoopable texture.

Ingredients

1 cup shelled pistachios
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 large egg yolks
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Place the pistachios in a food processor and process until pistachios are crushed; set aside.
In a large heavy saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar and salt. Heat over medium heat until bubbles form around side of pan, stirring to dissolve sugar.
In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks; return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook over low heat until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and temperature reaches 180°, stirring constantly. Do not allow to boil. Immediately transfer to a bowl.
Place bowl in a pan of ice water. Stir gently and occasionally for 2 minutes. Stir in extracts and crushed pistachios. Press waxed paper onto surface of mixture. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
Fill cylinder of ice cream maker two-thirds full; freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. (Refrigerate remaining mixture until ready to freeze.) Transfer ice cream to a freezer container; freeze until firm, 4-6 hours. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup: 297 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

This pistachio ice cream is the perfect indulgent treat to end the day with. Heavy whipping cream, milk and vanilla extract create a creamy, sweet and rich base, while crunchy pistachio pieces give a subtle nutty and earthy flavor. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan

Recipe Creator