Refreshingly Delicious Pistachio Granita Recipe From Sicily
This pistachio granita recipe was first published on the 21st of August 2023.
I am sure you figured out that the pistachio cream from a couple of weeks back was just the base for a different recipe. More precisely, it was the starting point for this delicious pistachio Sicilian granita recipe I am about to share with you all.
I mean, granita is known worldwide and it’s probably very much loved everywhere too. And to me, it means holidays in Sicily to visit my grandparents every single August for at least 20 years of my life. Sitting in a cafe, outside on one of those fancy tables, with a brioche con il tuppo or two, the traditional brioche you are going to be served granita with.
I had no idea making this pistachio granita would be so easy. Or any granita recipe in general. Somehow I assumed it would require so much effort and an ice cream maker and so much more time than it was worth it. Instead, to my surprise, this pistachio granita recipe has got 4 ingredients only and requires no cooking, with most of its time spent in the freezer, freezing.
If you are up for a refreshing summer treat this season, one that can bring you back to a special summer anywhere in Italy, then look no further because this pistachio granita is the perfect one to whip up and enjoy on a hot summer morning. Whether for breakfast or an afternoon snack, you will not regret your choices.
Delicious Sicilian pistachio granita recipe
Let’s dive into the delightful world of granita, and more precisely this pistachio granita. Imagine a frosty, refreshing treat that’s like a dance party for your taste buds on a scorching summer day. Granita is a frozen dessert that’s both icy and super flavorful – the ultimate summer ice party for your mouth.
If you are after some extra Sicilian recipes, though, why not check out these:
- a lush pistachio liqueur;
- the easy (and vegan!) Biancomangiare;
- another vegan dessert, the Gelo di Limone;
- savoury and delicious Pane cunzato;
- quickest Sicilian pesto for the easiest pasta dish.
What is granita? And where is it from?
As mentioned, granita is a frozen dessert which Sicilians created way back when they mixed together icy crystals of flavoured goodness with a hint of sugary sweetness. Of course, there is an entire rainbow of flavours to choose from – just like this pistachio granita, you can also enjoy the more traditional almond granita, but also zesty lemon, luscious strawberry, invigorating coffee and even more traditional flavours like black mulberries and cinnamon.
So, where does this frosty wonder come from? Well, hold onto your sunhats because we’re taking a little trip to the gorgeous island of Sicily! Indeed, that’s where granita first burst onto the scene, bringing smiles and brain freezes since the 17th century. Something Sicilians are very proud of. Picture yourself strolling through the colourful streets of a charming Sicilian town while the sun tries its best to turn you into a human torch. But wait! What’s that sound? It’s the magical call of a granita vendor, ready to rescue you from the heatwave!
You will most definitely get the chance to see this traditional vendor going door to door in small villages, and while communication might be difficult, you can still expect to taste some beautiful granita and gelato. Of course, not as many flavours available as if you’d walk into a shop, but you get to experience something so beautiful and as old as time – where else can you get something like this?
Making granita at home, just like the one you can buy at the coffee shop, couldn’t be easier. It starts with a simple syrup, made by melting sugar in water. Then, you will infuse this syrup with your favourite flavour – think fruit purees, coffee shots, or even chocolate creams. After that, it’s off to the freezer, where the mixture is given a chilly makeover.
Once it’s all frozen, you’re left with a scoopable mixture, just like this pistachio granita. Just imagine digging into a scoop of this, feeling the cool crystals melt on your tongue, and releasing a burst of pistachio flavour that makes your taste buds jump for joy.
So, whether you’re in Italy or halfway around the world, granita is like a ticket to a tropical paradise in your mouth. It’s a sweet, frosty adventure that lets you conquer the heat with a smile and a spoon. And remember, wherever you enjoy your granita, you’re carrying on a tradition that’s been delighting folks for centuries.
What are pistachios, and are they any good for you?
Pistachios are a type of tree nut that comes from the Pistacia Vera tree. They are native to the Middle East but are now cultivated in various regions around the world, including Italy, the United States, Iran and Turkey to name a few. Pistachios have been enjoyed as a nutritious and delicious snack for centuries and are often used in cooking, baking, and desserts. In Sicily, we have been using them in both sweet and savoury dishes including granita and arancini, but this is a story for a different day.
Some of the nutritional benefits of pistachios are:
- Nutrient-rich: Pistachios are packed with essential nutrients and they are a good source of protein, healthy fats – including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – fibre, vitamins – such as vitamin B6, thiamin, and vitamin E – and minerals – such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus;
- Heart Health: The healthy fats in pistachios, particularly monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, have been associated with improved heart health. They can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease;
- Weight Management: Despite being calorie-dense, pistachios have been linked to weight management when consumed in moderation. The fibre and protein content can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake;
- Antioxidants: Pistachios contain various antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and gamma-tocopherol, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage;
- Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that including pistachios in a balanced diet may improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, making them beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
It’s important to note that while pistachios are nutritious, they are also calorie-dense. Eating them in moderation as part of a balanced diet is essential, especially if you’re trying to manage your weight. Additionally, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to nuts, including pistachios. If you have a nut allergy, it is crucial to avoid pistachios and other nuts to prevent allergic reactions.
Where do they produce pistachio in Sicily?
Sicily is one of the major regions in Italy known for its production of pistachios. The primary area where pistachios are cultivated in Sicily is the western part of the island, particularly in the provinces of Agrigento and Syracuse.
Bronte, a town located on the slopes of Mount Etna in the province of Catania, is especially famous for producing high-quality pistachios. The volcanic soil and unique climate conditions in this area create an ideal environment for pistachio cultivation, resulting in a unique and highly prized variety known as Pistacchio di Bronte or Bronte Pistachio. Of course, the town is so tiny the production is covering a lot of the land around the actual borders of Bronte.
Pistachio production is an essential agricultural activity in these regions, and the pistachios from Sicily are sought after for their distinct flavour, vibrant green colour and culinary applications in various Italian dishes, desserts, and confections. The pistachio trees thrive in the volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate, making Sicily an ideal place for pistachio cultivation (Wikipedia).
What ingredients do I need to make this pistachio granita?
As I mentioned previously, the pistachio granita recipe only needs 4 basic ingredients. We start with water, just plain tap water will do, and you can warm it up or leave it to room temperature. Then you will need white caster sugar and the pistachio cream, or even pistachio paste. Lastly, some fresh pistachios, shelled and chopped up.
For the garnish of this pistachio granita, we have whipped up some fresh cream and topped with some extra pistachios, but this is completely optional.
How do I make this pistachio granita?
Nothing easier when it comes to putting together this pistachio granita recipe, let’s see how to do it together now.
You will start by placing the water and caster sugar in a bowl and mixing it until all the sugar is dissolved. Then you will add the pistachio cream and mix it again until everything is combined together.
Lastly, you will add the shelled pistachios you have previously chopped, mix and pour into a low baking tray. You can freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
When you are ready to serve the pistachio granita, take out the tray from the freezer, cut the mix and place it in the jug of your blender. Blend it for a couple of minutes, or until it reaches a creamy consistency, then pour in some nice-looking coupe glasses and serve immediately, topped with some whipped cream and extra pistachios.
Pistachio Granita Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 ml water
- 80 g caster sugar
- 100 g pistachio cream
- 100 g shelled pistachios
- whipping cream optional
Instructions
- Place the water and caster sugar in a bowl and mix until all the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the pistachio cream and mix until everything is combined together.
- Lastly, add the shelled pistachios you have previously chopped, mix and pour into a low baking tray.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- When you are ready to serve, take out the tray from the freezer, cut the mix and place it in the jug of your blender.
- Blend for a couple of minutes, or until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- Pour and serve immediately, topped with some whipped cream and extra pistachios.
Shop the pistachio granita recipe post
This Sicilian granita, made with pistachios, is the one dish you need to be serving immediately – with this heat, it’s the perfect dessert to have on hand! You know that, when it comes to food, Sicilians know where it’s at, and right now it’s all about this pistachio granita.
For other pistachio-themed recipes, try these:
Pin this pistachio granita recipe post for later!
