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Pistachio Cheesecake

17/11/2023

I can guide you in preparing a delicious pistachio cheesecake with an Italian twist. The pistachio cheesecake is a fresh dessert full of flavor, combining the creaminess of traditional cheesecake with the intense taste of pistachios.

Ingredients

  • 250g of dry biscuits (for example, Digestives)
  • 100g of melted butter
  • 500g of creamy cheese (like Philadelphia)
  • 120g of icing sugar
  • 250 ml of whipping cream
  • 150g of unsalted pistachios
  • 12g of gelatin sheets (or agar agar if you prefer a vegetarian version)
  • 250g of Greek yogurt
  • Zest of 1 untreated lemon
  • Chopped pistachios or granules for decoration
  • Pistachio syrup for garnishing (optional)

Preparation

  1. Begin by chopping the biscuits until you obtain a coarse flour, then mix them with the melted butter. Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper and press the biscuit mixture onto the bottom to create the base of the cheesecake. Put in the fridge to firm up for about 30 minutes.

  2. In the meantime, put the pistachios in a mixer and grind them until you get a paste (if necessary, you can add a little bit of neutral vegetable oil to help the process).

  3. Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 10 minutes.

  4. Whip the cream and set it aside.

  5. In a large bowl, mix the creamy cheese with the icing sugar until you obtain a smooth mixture. Add the pistachio paste, Greek yogurt, and grated lemon zest, blending everything well.

  6. Squeeze the soaked gelatin sheets and melt them in a saucepan with a couple of tablespoons of water, over low heat. Once dissolved, allow it to cool for a moment and then incorporate it into the cheese and pistachio cream, stirring quickly to avoid lumps.

  7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mixture, moving the spoon from bottom to top to avoid deflating it.

  8. Pour the obtained mixture onto the cooled biscuit base and level the surface. Let the cheesecake cool in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, better if overnight.

  9. Before serving, decorate the cheesecake with chopped pistachios or granules and, if you wish, you can drizzle over some pistachio syrup to further enhance the flavor.

Curious Facts

Cheesecake is a dessert of ancient origins, with variants in many cultures. However, the version we know today as cheesecake is primarily attributed to the culinary traditions of the United States. The pistachio, on the other hand, is a much-appreciated ingredient in Sicilian cuisine; this version of the cheesecake is a delicious example of how Italian flavors can enrich and transform a classic of international patisserie.

Pistachio Cheesecake