How To Make Pistachio Paste

Learn how to make smooth and flavorful pistachio paste using just shelled pistachios, a bit of sugar, and a touch of oil for a creamy, spreadable consistency. This homemade version is perfect for baking desserts or adding a rich, nutty flavor to your favorite recipes.

If you’re a fan of nut butters like almond butter or peanut butter, you’re going to fall in love with homemade pistachio paste. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and full of rich pistachio flavor. Whether you want to use it in desserts, swirl it into yogurt, or spread it on toast, this easy recipe will show you how to make your own pistachio paste from scratch. There’s no need to rely on expensive, store-bought versions ever again!

Let’s walk through the whole process step by step so you can make a vibrant green pistachio paste that’s smooth, flavorful, and irresistible.

What is Pistachio Paste?

Pistachio paste is a smooth, spreadable blend made from ground pistachios and oil. It’s similar in texture to nut butters like almond or peanut butter but with the naturally sweet and earthy flavor of pistachios.

This bright green paste is often used in French desserts like macarons, cakes, ganache recipes, and even homemade ice cream. You can also use it as a spread, mix it into sauces, or use it in savory dishes. Pistachio paste is the perfect way to add a nutty, slightly sweet flavor to all kinds of recipes.

Why This Pistachio Paste Recipe Works

• Easy to Make – This simple process only requires a few ingredients and a food processor. No fancy equipment is needed!
• Naturally Vibrant Green – Blanching and peeling the pistachios helps create that vibrant green hue, so you don’t need food coloring.
• Customizable Texture – You can make your paste as thick or as smooth as you like by adjusting the amount of oil.

Supplies Needed

Here’s what you’ll need before you start:

• Large pot for boiling water
• Clean kitchen towel
• Slotted spoon or strainer
• Food processor or powerful blender
• Airtight container or jar for storage
• Baking sheet (optional, for drying or toasting)
• Paper towel for drying pistachios

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this smooth pistachio paste:

• Raw shelled pistachios – Look for unsalted pistachios for the best flavor. Iranian or Sicilian pistachios are great for color and taste, but any high-quality variety works. I usually pick mine up in the bulk section at the grocery store when possible. 
• Powdered sugar – This adds a touch of sweetness and helps create a creamy texture.
• Melted coconut oil – A neutral oil like coconut oil gives the paste a smooth, spreadable consistency. You can also use pistachio oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil if you prefer.
• Optional additions – Try a pinch of salt, a splash of almond extract, or even a bit of maple syrup if you want to customize the flavor.

How To Blanch and Peel Pistachios

One of the most important steps to getting a bright green pistachio paste is removing the papery skin from each nut. Here’s how to do it:

1. Boil Water: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Add the Pistachios: Carefully drop in the raw shelled pistachios and boil for 2 minutes.
3. Drain and Cool: Drain the nuts and transfer them to a bowl of cold water or an ice bath to stop the cooking.
4. Peel the Skins: Place the pistachios in a clean kitchen towel and rub them gently to loosen the skins. Peel off any remaining skin with your fingers. It takes a little patience, but it’s worth it!

Chef’s Notes: The more skin you remove, the more vibrant green paste you will get! 

Expert Tips For Making Pistachio Paste

Want to make the perfect pistachio paste every time? Here are some tips to help you out:

• Use a reliable food processor or high-speed blender: A powerful food processor makes all the difference in creating a smooth paste.
• Be patient when blending: At first, the nuts will form a coarse meal. Keep blending and scraping down the sides so it will get smoother!
• Adjust the oil as needed: Start with a little oil and add more slowly until you reach your desired consistency. Less oil will give you a thicker paste, while more oil will make it more like a creamy pistachio butter.
• Toast the pistachios (optional): Lightly toasting the pistachios on a baking sheet adds a deeper, roasted flavor, but it can darken the color.
• Store it properly: Keep your homemade pistachio paste in an airtight container and store it at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks!

Ways to Use Pistachio Paste

Once you’ve made your pistachio paste, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delicious ways to use it:

• Baking: Add it to pistachio macarons, cakes, cookies, pistachio cheesecake, or muffins.
• Frosting & Fillings: Mix it into buttercream, whipped cream, or ganache.
• Breakfast & Snacks: Spread it on toast, pancakes, or waffles, or swirl it into oatmeal or Greek yogurt.
• Ice Cream: Stir it into homemade ice cream for a creamy, nutty flavor.
• Savory Recipes: Add it to sauces, dressings, or glazes for chicken, pork, or roasted veggies.
• DIY Gifts: Package your pistachio paste in a cute jar with a ribbon—it makes a sweet and thoughtful homemade gift!

How To Make Pistachio Ganache

Turn your homemade pistachio paste into a rich, creamy pistachio ganache that’s perfect for desserts, fillings, frostings, or even a decadent drizzle.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Combine the Base: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix together 1 cup of pistachio paste with ½ cup of heavy cream.
2. Heat Slowly: Warm the mixture in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each round, until it’s fully heated through and smooth.
3. Add the Chocolate: Gradually stir in 1 bag of mini white chocolate chips, letting them melt into the warm pistachio-cream mixture. Stir until fully dissolved and smooth. Repeat as needed until all the chocolate is incorporated.
4. Cool & Use: Let the ganache cool slightly before using. It will thicken as it sits, making it perfect for layering in cakes, piping into pastries, or spreading over brownies.

This pistachio ganache is sweet, nutty, and full of flavor—ideal for elevating any dessert with a luxurious twist.

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