Pistachio Ice Cream without an Ice Cream Maker

17/11/2023

Making pistachio ice cream without an ice cream maker is a simple process that requires few ingredients and a bit of patience. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients

250 ml of whipping cream
200 ml of condensed milk
150 g of unsalted pistachios
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Chop the pistachios: Use a mixer to finely chop the pistachios. If you prefer a texture with larger pieces, chop the pistachios less finely.
Combine the ingredients: Pour the condensed milk into a large bowl and add the chopped pistachios (save some for the final decoration, if you wish). Mix in the vanilla extract, if you’re using it, with the condensed milk and pistachios.
Whip the cream: In another bowl, whip the whipping cream until it becomes thick and forms soft peaks.
Incorporate the cream into the mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk and pistachio mixture, trying to keep its aeration as much as possible.
Freeze: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Rest: Leave to rest in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours, better if overnight. The ice cream will be ready when it has reached the desired consistency.
Serve: Before serving, let the ice cream sit out of the freezer for a few minutes to make it softer and more workable. Serve in bowls, and if you like, garnish with the chopped pistachios set aside.

Curiosity

Pistachio is a very appreciated ingredient in Italian pastry and ice cream making. In particular, Bronte pistachios, from Sicily, are known for their intense flavor and superior quality, earning them the nickname “Sicily’s green gold”. Use high-quality pistachios for an excellent final result in your homemade ice cream.

Enjoy your homemade pistachio ice cream! And remember, if you can’t find Bronte pistachios, you can always use other types of pistachios, provided they are natural and unsalted.