Pistachio Milkshake:

Pistachio Milkshake:

This creamy and refreshing milkshake is a delightful treat for pistachio lovers. The subtle nutty flavor of pistachios combined with the richness of ice cream and milk makes for a truly indulgent experience.

Yields: 1 large serving or 2 smaller servings Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Milkshake:
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or your preferred milk, e.g., almond milk for a dairy-free option)
  • 2 cups (approx. 4 large scoops) vanilla ice cream (good quality makes a difference!)
  • 1/4 cup (approx. 30g) shelled pistachios (preferably unsalted, roasted or raw)
  • 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar or honey (adjust to your sweetness preference and the sweetness of your ice cream)
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances the pistachio flavor)
  • Pinch of salt (enhances sweetness and flavor)
• For Garnish (Optional but recommended):
  • Whipped cream
  • 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios

Equipment:

• Blender
• Tall glass for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pistachios: If your pistachios are not already roasted, you can lightly toast them in a dry pan over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. This deepens their flavor. Let them cool completely. For a smoother milkshake, you can lightly crush them before adding to the blender, but it’s not strictly necessary if you have a powerful blender.
2. Combine Ingredients in Blender:
   • Pour the milk into your blender.
   • Add the vanilla ice cream.
   • Add the shelled pistachios.
   • Add 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey (you can add more later if needed).
   • Add the almond extract (if using).
   • Add a small pinch of salt.
3. Blend Until Smooth:
   • Start blending on a low speed, gradually increasing to high.
   • Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no large chunks of pistachios remaining.
   • If the milkshake is too thick, add a splash more milk (1-2 tablespoons at a time) and blend again.
   • If the milkshake is too thin, add another small scoop of ice cream and blend again.
4. Taste and Adjust:
   • Pour a small amount into a spoon and taste.
   • If you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar or honey (1/2 to 1 teaspoon at a time) and blend briefly.
   • If you want a stronger pistachio flavor, you can add a few more pistachios and blend again, but be mindful not to make it gritty.
5. Pour and Garnish:
   • Pour the pistachio milkshake into a tall glass.
   • Top generously with whipped cream.
   • Sprinkle the finely chopped pistachios over the whipped cream for an appealing presentation and an extra textural crunch.
6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious homemade pistachio milkshake right away!

Tips for the Best Pistachio Milkshake:

• Quality Ingredients: Using good quality vanilla ice cream and fresh pistachios will significantly impact the flavor.
• Chill Your Glass: For an extra cold treat, place your serving glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before pouring the milkshake.
• Vary Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar/honey to your personal preference. Remember that ice cream already contains sugar.
• Pistachio Paste (for richer flavor): For an even more intense pistachio flavor and smoother texture, you can use 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened pistachio paste instead of whole pistachios.
• Thick vs. Thin: Control the consistency by adjusting the amount of milk and ice cream. More ice cream makes it thicker, more milk makes it thinner.
• Adding Color (Optional): If you desire a more vibrant green color, you can add a tiny drop of green food coloring to the blender, but this is purely for aesthetics.

Enjoy making and sipping on this delightful Pistachio Milkshake!