Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with this luxurious Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream. This homemade treat is perfect for those who love the unique taste of pistachios combined with the creamy texture of ice cream. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a special dessert, this pistachio ice cream will impress and satisfy.
Ready to make a delightful pistachio ice cream? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 24 hours
- Process Time: 5 minutes
Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted pistachios, shelled 🥜
2 cups whole milk 🥛
1 cup heavy cream 🥛
3/4 cup granulated sugar 🍚
4 large egg yolks 🍳
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
1/2 teaspoon almond extract 🌿
A pinch of salt 🧂
A few drops of green food coloring (optional) 💚
Directions
- Prepare the Pistachios: In a food processor, grind the pistachios into a fine paste. You can add a bit of the sugar to help with the grinding process.
- Heat the Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and ground pistachios. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and thick.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture, continuing to whisk.
- Cook the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. If using, add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve a traditional pistachio ice cream color. Mix until well combined.
- Chill the Mixture: Pour the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a container to remove any lumps. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
- Process in the Ninja Creami: Pour the chilled mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Insert the container into the machine and select the “Ice Cream” setting. Let the machine churn the mixture into creamy ice cream.
- Check Consistency: Once the cycle is complete, check the consistency. If the ice cream isn’t as smooth and creamy as you’d like, use the “Re-spin” option until you achieve the desired texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the pistachio ice cream into bowls or cones. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped pistachios or a drizzle of honey.
Recipe Video
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
Flavor Variations to Try
- Chocolate Pistachio: Stir in mini chocolate chips during the “Mix-in” stage for a chocolatey twist.
- Pistachio Almond: Add chopped almonds along with the pistachios for a nutty combination.
- Pistachio Cardamom: Add a pinch of ground cardamom to the custard for a spiced flavor.
- Pistachio Rose: Add a few drops of rose water to the custard for a floral note.
Tips for the Perfect Pistachio Ice Cream
- Smooth Texture: Ensure the pistachios are finely ground to avoid a gritty texture.
- Chill Thoroughly: Make sure the custard mixture is completely chilled before processing to achieve the best texture.
- Green Color: Use natural food coloring if you prefer to avoid artificial dyes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Ice Cream Too Hard: If your ice cream is too hard after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.
- Not Creamy Enough: Use the “Re-spin” function on the Ninja Creami to improve the texture if it’s not creamy enough after the first cycle.
- Flavor Too Mild: Enhance the pistachio flavor by adding a bit more ground pistachios or a touch of pistachio extract.
Serving and Storing Your Pistachio Ice Cream
Serve your pistachio ice cream in chilled bowls or cones to keep it from melting too quickly. This ice cream pairs wonderfully with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, a drizzle of honey, or a side of biscotti.
For storing, keep the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best enjoyed within a week to maintain its fresh, creamy texture. When ready to serve, allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping.