Numerous are the properties of the pistachio , a dry fruit that is transformed in summer into its most refreshing version and, for many, the most anticipated of the year, ice cream . For fans of this traditional ice cream and for those who want to be encouraged to make it at home, here are all its health benefits and the authentic pistachio ice cream recipe .
This dried fruit not only provides proteins of vegetable origin of the same quality as those of the egg, but also, with equal weight, it provides more protein . American Pistachio Growers explains the benefits and tricks of the authentic pistachio ice cream recipe.
Pistachio Health Benefits
According to a study conducted by the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, pistachio protein (both raw and roasted) contains all nine essential amino acids : histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, AA sulfur, AA aromatic, threonine, tryptophan and valine All of them are necessary for protein synthesis; and, they are the same and in a similar amount to the proteins of the egg.
Dr. Nieves Palacios, specialist in Endocrinology and Nutrition and head of the Sports Medicine Center of the Higher Sports Council, highlights that “for every 100 grams of edible food, the pistachio contains 17.6 grams of protein, while the chicken egg, 12.5 grams. Thus, with equal weight, the pistachio provides more protein than the egg”. In this sense, he points out: “The portion that is eaten of each food is different. A portion of pistachios is about 30 grams and provides about 5.3 grams of good quality vegetable protein. For its part, a medium egg, about 65 grams in weight, it provides about 8 grams of good quality animal protein.”
The five benefits of pistachio are:
It is an excellent source of vegetable protein, essential fatty acids and minerals (sulfur, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium and zinc).
It is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E.
Low in saturated fats and without cholesterol.
High fiber content that helps slow down the absorption of glucose by the intestine; decreases stool consistency and improves intestinal transit.
Reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
The authentic recipe for pistachio ice cream, step by step
The ingredients needed to make the pistachio ice cream are:
250 ml of whole milk.
150 ml of whipped cream.
130 g of unsalted pistachios.
75 g of sugar.
4 egg yolks.
1 tablespoon Amaretto liqueur
The day beforeTo finish the recipe it is necessary to toast the pistachios a little in a frying pan. The next step will be to boil the milk and whipped cream in a saucepan. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the pistachios. Leave the pistachios to soak in the mixture of milk and whipped cream in the fridge overnight.
The next dayRemove the pistachios from the milk and whipped cream mixture and place them in a food processor or blender at high speed until a smooth paste is obtained. Bring the milk and whipped cream to a boil in a saucepan. Beat the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl with a mixer, until the dough is consistent and fluffy. When the milk and cream boil, pour them over the yolk mixture and stir constantly with a whisk. Pour the mixture with cream or custard texture into the saucepan where the milk and whipped cream had previously been boiled, and cook over low heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until it thickens. The temperature should be about 80º C.
Chill the creamresulting by placing the saucepan in ice water. Add the pistachio paste and turn the cream into ice cream using an ice cream maker .