Three Great Recipes That Use Pistachios

This week we’re going to look at three great recipes that use pistachios.

Gulab Jamun

Carrot Halwa

Kalakand Burfi Indian sweet

Pistachios have a wonderful slightly mild nutty flavor unlike any other nut around.  They work well in a wide variety of recipes ranging from sweet to salty, and they also have some great health benefits. Pistachios have been proven to help lower bad cholesterol, and they’ve also been proven to help prevent type 2 diabetes. They also contain two carotenoids not found in other nuts which help to promote eye health. With a unique flavor and some great health benefits pistachios belong in every kitchen, so pick some up today!

Kalakand Burfi Indian sweet

Burfi-Kalakand 

Kalakand is a very tasty, sweet dish that is famous in both Punjab and Gujarat, where it is actually called burfi. Thankfully, it is very fun and easy to make.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time :20 minutes

Ingredients:
-2 cans (15 oz. each) of Ricotta cheese
-One 14 oz. can of  sweetened condensed milk
-One 15 oz. can of instant non-fat milk powder
-2 tbsp of unsalted butter or ghee
-Handful of silvered pistachios
-2 tsp Cardamom powder


Preparations:

1.In a Heavy sauce pan on medium heat, add 1 tbsp of butter or ghee. Add all the ricotta cheese and stir so it does not stick at the bottom. After 10 minutes, the water should mostly be evaporated off.





2. Add sweetened condensed milk to the cheese and stir again for 10 minutes. Be careful not to burn yourself here. The water in the ricotta cheese will start to bubble.







3. Now you should start to see the milk get solid and lumpy.
The best way to check on the plate is to take out 1 tsp of mix and try to form a ball. If you can do this, that means it is done.
Now you can add carnation powder to the milk cake and stir continuously. Within a minute or two turn off the stove and mix well so it is uniform.

4. Grease a 6x9 inch pan with unsalted butter or ghee and pour the milk cake.  Garnish with pistachios and cardamom powder. Let it cool down for 2 hours. Cut into desired lengths and serve.

*This dessert stays good for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.


Tips:

-2 can 3/4 measure full sugar can be substituted for sweetened milk

-Vanilla extract and different nuts (almond or pistachio powder for example) can be used to get a different flavor. I recommend trying out fresh Ricotta cheese from the deli (not canned Ricotta).

-This recipe can be done in the microwave also:
Use a glass container and cover it with Saran wrap and microwave for 5 minutes. Stir and again microwave for 5 minutes then add sugar or condensed milk and microwave for 5 more minutes. Add carnation powder and microwave for 3-4 minutes till it is done.

Carrot Halwa

Carrot Halwa

Carrot halwa is a north Indian treat. It is very famous and available at all Indian restaurants.  As you know Carrots are good for you, this sweet dish you will definitely love it. If You want to make it a low calorie dessert sugar can be substituted for splenda or reduce sugar to 1/2 cup. Carrots are naturally sweet in nature so reducing sugar will still make it tasty.

Cooking Level: Easy

Cooking Time: 40 Minutes

Servings: 4-5 persons

AO = Anti-Oxidant, GF = Gluten Free, HF = High Fiber, HP = High Protein

Ingredients:
2 lb grated carrot
3 cups of  2% reduced fat milk
3 tsp ghee or clarified butter(see post for ghee)
few silvered almonds and pistachios
1 tsp ground cardamom powder
1 cup dry carnation powder or ready made khoya or mava
1 cup sugar

Preparations:

Grated Carrots

1. Wash and grate the carrots. Set aside.
2. In a heavy sauce pan, add 3 tbsp of ghee on a medium heat.
3. Add the shredded carrots and cook for 5-7 minutes.
4. Add milk, sugar boil for 15 minutes on high heat stirring continuously so it does not stick at the bottom of pan.
5. Add dry carnation powder/ mava/ khoya as needed.
6. Mix it well and transfer contents in glass bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
7. Microwave the halwa in microwave for 2-3 minutes.
8. Mix all the contents and microwave for another 2-3 minutes.
9. You shall notice that milk is absorbed and carrots are cooked.
10. Garnish with pistachios and almonds
Enjoy!!

Tips: Mava is available in Indian groceries stores. You may substituted for Mava with evaporated milk.