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Homemade Pistachio Pudding
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4.34 from 3 votes

Homemade Pistachio Pudding

You don't need a boxed mix to make the old fashioned favorite Pistachio Pudding at home. This homemade version is made with real pistachios and tastes great!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Chilling Time2 hours
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 6
Calories: 200kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup lightly salted shelled pistachios (see note)
  • ½ cup sugar, divided
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • 2 cups whole milk (see note)
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • chopped pistachios, to garnish (optional)
  • whipped cream, to top (optional)

Instructions

  • Add pistachios to the bowl of a food processor. Process until the pistachios are finely ground. Add sugar and water and continue to process to form a paste.
  • Add pistachio paste and milk to a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until steaming, stirring often to prevent scorching.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together egg yolks, remaining ¼ cup sugar, cornstarch and salt in a medium bowl or 2 cup measuring cup (it will be thick). 
  • Stir ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture. Add another ½ cup of the milk mixture and stir until smooth. 
  • Transfer the egg mixture into the remaining milk mixture, and continue to heat over medium until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to simmer until thickened, about 2-3 more minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  • Transfer pudding to 6 individual dessert dishes, or one larger serving bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, so that the plastic is actually touching the pudding. Chill completely, at least 2 hours.

Notes

I used pistachios that were labeled "lightly salted", and they tasted just as described. You can also use unsalted pistachios if you can find them. If you can only find salted pistachios, omit any added salt in the pudding.
You can use 1% or 2% milk  or soy milk instead of whole, but the pudding won't be as creamy.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal