Description
This savory pistachio spread is a creamy Italian-inspired recipe made with pistachios, mascarpone cheese, fresh basil, lemon juice, and olive oil. Rich, silky, and packed with fresh flavor, it works beautifully as a spread, dip, or even a quick pasta sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted shelled pistachios
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water, if needed for thinning
Instructions
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil and blanch the pistachios for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Spread the pistachios on a clean towel and gently rub off the thin brown skins.
- Transfer the peeled pistachios to a food processor.
- Blend for about 2 minutes until finely ground and beginning to release natural oils.
- Add the olive oil, mascarpone cheese, lemon juice, basil leaves, salt, and black pepper.
- Continue blending until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
- Process for another few minutes until silky smooth.
- Add water one tablespoon at a time if needed to thin the spread to your preferred consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use.
Notes
- Peeling the pistachios creates the smoothest texture and brightest green color.
- Roasted pistachios may be used for a deeper nutty flavor.
- Whole milk ricotta can replace mascarpone for a lighter version.
- Add a drizzle of honey for a slightly sweet variation.
- Fresh parsley or extra basil can enhance the herb flavor.
- Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Thin with pasta water to create a creamy pasta sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
