The right combinations – sweet or savory – with pistachio allow you to better savor this kind of dried fruit which is characterized by its sweet taste and crunchy texture. These qualities are particularly versatile both in the kitchen and in the pastry shop .
How to best combine salty and sweet pistachios ? Stock up on the Sicilian one from Bronte (the best around) and take note to bring to the table delicacies ready to conquer at the first bite!
The savory combinations with pistachio not to be missed
It is well known that dried fruit in savory dishes often gives that extra touch ready to make the difference, and pistachio is no exception. Obviously, there are some ingredients more than others ready to perfectly match its unmistakable aroma: here are the ones not to be missed.
- Mortadella : let's start with an ageless classic. It is no coincidence that mortadella from Modena contains an avalanche of pistachios. The pistachio can accompany the sausage both in the context of appetizers and in the filling of meat skewers and, again, in the condiment of pizzas and focaccias.
- Speck/pancetta/guanciale : the vast majority of pasta recipes with pistachio pesto is associated with this type of cured meat. The Bronte first course that comes out of it is always a source of goodness and guaranteed success.
- Shrimps and Prawns . A particularly intriguing marriage, as well as in delicious first courses, it also proves its irresistibility in succulent appetizers (just mention the prawns in a pistachio crust ). An extra idea? Use them in the filling of particular and original arancini .
- Salmon . Pistachio with salmon is particularly versatile in the preparation of second courses . The pistachio-crusted salmon au gratin has nothing to envy from the courses of the most renowned restaurants.
- Tuna . The same goes for tuna, which rather than cooked in the oven, however, gives great satisfaction simply seared in a pan . Pistachios give it that note of crunchiness that doesn't hurt to make something absolutely superb.
- Cottage cheese . We will explore the marriage with ricotta in the section dedicated to sweet pairings. Here it is enough to know that, together, they can go to make up the filling of fresh pasta (ravioli, tortelloni and so on and so forth) or more or less rustic savory pies .
How to match pistachio pesto
Before moving on to dessert, pistachio pesto deserves a mention which, contrary to what one might think, is not only used as a condiment for pasta. Excellent on crostini to be covered with mortadella or cheese, it can be used as a filling, for example, for puff pastry snacks or vol au vents for aperitifs of a certain thickness. It marries divinely with burrata , while in second courses it can be used to accompany grilled fish or grilled meat.
Sweet combinations with pistachio, the sweet tooth
But Sicilian green gold is not a source of heavenly sensations only in savory recipes. The sweet combinations with pistachio are just as surprising.
- Let's start with perhaps the most obvious but always loved: chocolate . The encounter between dried fruit in general and dark chocolate gives a wonderful contrast of flavors as well as a simple idea for a healthy dessert - what we would today call healthy . What can I say, the chocolate/pistachio mix never disappoints.
- As anticipated, it also goes well with ricotta . Pistachio grains are often combined with many typical Sicilian sweets , such as cannoli for example.
- But let's not forget honey : pistachios are excellent with this precious food alone or in more or less simple desserts, such as fragrant biscuits to accompany afternoon tea, or a soft donut for breakfast. Prefer wildflower or orange blossom honey .
- Coffee : yes, you read that right. It is an original combination, only for the audacious, but which captivates for the result. In short, if it is generally not recommended to combine fruit with coffee, in this case an exception can be made.
Pairing pistachio and fruit (fresh)
As for (fresh) fruit , pistachios go very well with red fruits - primarily raspberries - but also with strawberries. There are those who love it together with citrus fruits , especially with lemon and lime, but there is no doubt that with oranges (even candied ones) it reaches the non plus ultra . Coconut also deserves a mention, which with its exotic flavor catapults us to distant lands. Finally, as for dried fruit , let's not forget the dates , apricots and sultanas.
How to match pistachio ice cream
To exhaust the topic we must also include pistachio ice cream : finding out how to combine it perfectly is essential for a satisfying culinary experience (you have no idea what disasters can come from a not well matched combination!). And then, the next time you find yourself in an ice cream shop, order your pistachio cone and… chocolate (white or dark); hazelnut; hazelnut; coffee. For those who prefer fruit flavors , raspberry and strawberry are recommended.
Pairings pistachio spices, the best
And what about spices ? Those most compatible with pistachio are above all cardamom (with which an aesthetic similarity is also evident), saffron and pink pepper. If you intend to toast them , you can flavor them with sesame, curry and sweet paprika.
