Delicious Pistachio Lasagna Recipe

This pistachio lasagna recipe was first published on April 10, 2024.

I am officially obsessed with this pistachio pesto lasagna, to the point that by the time this post goes live, we have had it so so many times. It is indeed that delicious, and I cannot wait for you all to try it.

While I can’t comment on the recipe itself being traditionally Italian – not that I am aware, but I might be wrong – and I can’t claim it as an invention of ours, I can most definitely tell you it is one recipe you need to try. Because it’s delicious, addictive and extremely easy to make. You can decide to make it with fresh lasagne sheets you made yourself like we did recently, or you can buy lasagne sheets. It will be good either way, and you will be able to whip this pistachio lasagna up in no time either way. And if you end up with more, you can always use these creative leftover lasagna ideas.

You know we are very fond of pistachios, coming from the village where most of the Bronte pistachio is from – won’t start going into detail on that, but an easy search on Google will tell you everything. And you know we love pistachio to the point that we have made it kind of our hero ingredient at the beginning of our journey with plenty of recipes. But all of them were either sweet recipes or drink recipes. So we knew it was time to act on it.

Before we move along and dish out our very first savoury pistachio recipe, though, a little reminder of our sweets and drinks:

• this pistachio cream, to spread or eat with a spoon;
• the delicious result that was this pistachio liqueur, I dare you not to drink it in one go;
• pistachio panna cotta, because why limit your dessert intake?
• the most delicious pistachio cream recipe, perfect on any dessert;
• pistachio amaretti cookies: chewy, nutty treat with a hint of lemon zest – perfect for any occasion! Gluten-free and the perfect combo of almond and pistachio flour;
• pistachio panettone: can we miss a Chistmas recipe? Pistachio never go to sleep and neither do we!
• pistachio lemon cake: give me cake with the best combo, pistachio & lemon, and we can be BFFs like me and this cake are!
• almond & pistachio cookies: think like the most delicious version of the far cousin crinkle cookie and you have these!
• the one dessert from Sicily you have to try at least once in your life, is the pistachio granita.

Meet the pistachio lasagna recipe you didn’t know you needed in your life

This pistachio lasagna is most definitely a savoury dish. It has nothing to do with the sweet counterpart you see everywhere on Pinterest: this recipe won’t be a pistachio dessert lasagna. Or a pistachio pudding sort of deal. There is no whipped cream or pudding mix in sight, cream cheese or a dough of some kind. Just a good savoury dish your whole family will enjoy!

What are pistachios and are they good for you?

Pistachios are nuts that come from the Pistacia vera tree, which is native to the Middle East and Central Asia but is now cultivated in various parts of the world, including the United States, Iran, and Turkey. They have historical and cultural significance in Italy, particularly in Sicily, where they have been cultivated for centuries. Sicily is known for producing high-quality pistachios, and the nut plays a prominent role in Sicilian cuisine.

These nuts have been enjoyed for thousands of years and are known for their distinctive flavour, vibrant green colour (when unshelled), and nutritional benefits.

Here are some key points about pistachios and their nutritional value:

1. Nutritional Profile: Pistachios are nutritionally dense and contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. They are a good source of protein, healthy fats (including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), fibre, vitamins B6 and E, and minerals such as copper, manganese, and phosphorus;
2. Heart Health: Research suggests that pistachios may have several benefits for heart health. They are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a healthy diet. Additionally, pistachios contain antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body;
3. Weight Management: Despite being calorie-dense, pistachios may actually aid in weight management when consumed in moderation. Their combination of protein, fibre, and healthy fats can help increase feelings of fullness and satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake;
4. Blood Sugar Control: Pistachios have a relatively low glycemic index, meaning they cause a slower and more gradual increase in blood sugar levels compared to high-glycemic foods. Including pistachios in meals or snacks may help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of insulin spikes;
5. Other Health Benefits: Pistachios contain various bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants and phytochemicals, which may have protective effects against chronic diseases like cancer and age-related cognitive decline. Some studies have also suggested that pistachios may support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria;
6. Moderation: While pistachios offer numerous health benefits, it’s important to consume them in moderation due to their calorie content. A typical serving size is about 1 ounce (28 grams), which is roughly a handful of nuts. Eating larger portions may contribute excess calories to your diet.

Here are some ways pistachios are used in Italian cuisine, particularly in Sicilian dishes:

1. Desserts: Pistachios are a common ingredient in many traditional Sicilian desserts. They are often used to make sweet treats such as cannoli filled with pistachio cream, pistachio gelato, and various pastries like biscotti and cakes. The vibrant green colour and distinct flavour of pistachios add a unique touch to these desserts;
2. Savoury Dishes: In addition to desserts, pistachios are also used in savoury Sicilian dishes. They might be incorporated into sauces, such as pesto alla Trapanese, which is a pesto sauce made with basil, tomatoes, almonds, and pistachios. Pistachios are also used as a topping for pasta dishes, salads, and fish preparations, adding both flavour and texture;
3. Snacks: Roasted and salted pistachios are a popular snack throughout Italy. They are often enjoyed on their own or mixed with other nuts and dried fruits as part of an antipasto platter or served alongside aperitifs;
4. Cultural Symbolism: Pistachios are not only valued for their culinary uses but also hold cultural significance in Sicilian tradition. They are sometimes used as symbols in religious festivals and ceremonies, and their cultivation has played a role in shaping the landscape and economy of Sicily.

What ingredients will I need to make this pistachio lasagna?

The pistachio lasagna recipe I am about to share with everyone is so delicious. Let’s break down each of these ingredients and discuss how they contribute to the deliciousness of pistachio lasagna:

1. Pistachio Pesto: Pistachio pesto is a flavorful sauce made from ground pistachios, fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and sometimes lemon juice or zest. It adds a rich, nutty flavour to the lasagna and provides a vibrant green colour. The pistachio pesto in pistachio lasagna serves as a unique twist on traditional pesto sauce, infusing the dish with the distinctive taste of pistachios. You can make your own or buy it at the shop, for ease;
2. Lasagna Sheets: Lasagna sheets are the foundation of any lasagna dish. They are wide, flat sheets of pasta that are typically boiled before layering in the lasagna. The lasagna sheets provide structure and texture to the dish, absorbing the flavours of the sauces and ingredients they’re layered with. In pistachio lasagna, the lasagna sheets serve as a base for the pistachio pesto, bechamel sauce, mortadella, and cheese layers;
3. Bechamel Sauce: Bechamel sauce, also known as white sauce, is a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. It adds richness and creaminess to the lasagna, balancing the flavours of the other ingredients. In pistachio lasagna, the bechamel sauce provides a smooth and velvety texture that complements the nuttiness of the pistachio pesto and the richness of the cheese;
4. Mortadella: Mortadella is a type of Italian cured meat similar to bologna but typically made with finely ground pork, seasoned with spices like black pepper and pistachios. It adds savoury flavour and a meaty element to the lasagna, contrasting with the creamy sauces and cheese. Sliced mortadella is layered between the lasagna sheets, adding depth and complexity to each bite;
5. Fontal Cheese: Fontal cheese is a semi-soft Italian cheese similar to Fontina but with a milder flavour. It melts well and has a creamy texture, making it perfect for lasagna. In pistachio lasagna, fontal cheese adds richness and creaminess to the dish, melting into the other ingredients and helping to bind the layers together;
6. Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese with a nutty and salty flavour. It’s often grated or shredded and sprinkled over dishes for added flavour. In pistachio lasagna, Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top of the lasagna before baking, adding a salty and savoury element that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Together, these ingredients create a harmonious blend of flavours and textures in pistachio lasagna, making it a unique and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Each component contributes its own distinct qualities, resulting in a lasagna that’s rich, creamy, savoury, and bursting with the delightful flavour of pistachios.

How do I make this pistachio lasagna?

There is honestly nothing easier than making this pistachio lasagna. Especially if you decide against making your own fresh pasta, even though it’s generally tastier with homemade pasta. But needs must, so we have to admit we use shop-bought lasagna sheets too! We tend to go for fresh ones we don’t need to pre-cook, but even with dried lasagna sheets we tend to avoid the pre-cooking part and only would do that if we’re really short on time and need that lasagna out of the oven in basically no time.

Grab the baking dish of your choice and spread a thin layer of bechamel sauce just enough to cover the bottom of the baking dish. Now layer the pasta sheets on top of the bechamel sauce, covering the bottom of the dish. Spread a layer of pistachio pesto evenly over the lasagna sheets, then arrange slices of mortadella on top of the pistachio pesto. Lastly, add a layer of cubed fontal cheese on top of the mortadella.

Repeat the layers: lasagna sheets, bechamel sauce, pistachio pesto, mortadella, and fontal cheese, until you’ve used up all your ingredients. Make sure to finish with a layer of lasagna sheets on top. For the final layer, spread a generous amount of bechamel sauce over the lasagna sheets, then dollop spoonfuls of pistachio pesto over the bechamel sauce, and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of pistachio pesto and the chopped pistachio bits too. Now you’re ready to put your pistachio lasagna in the oven to bake at 200C for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pistachio Lasagna Recipe

Simona

This delicious savoury dish that is a pistachio lasagna is extremely easy to put together and fantastic to share with family and friends.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Savoury

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  

• 1 packet fresh lasagna sheets
• 500 ml bechamel sauce
• 250 ml pistachio pesto
• 200 g fontal cheese cut into cubes
• 150 g mortadella thinly sliced
• 100 g parmesan cheese
• 50 g pistachios chopped roughly

Instructions

 

• Grab the baking dish of your choice and spread a thin layer of bechamel sauce just enough to cover the bottom of the baking dish.
• Now layer the pasta sheets on top of the bechamel sauce, covering the bottom of the dish.
• Spread a layer of pistachio pesto evenly over the lasagna sheets, then arrange slices of mortadella on top of the pistachio pesto.
• Lastly, add a layer of cubed fontal cheese on top of the mortadella.
• Repeat the layers: lasagna sheets, bechamel sauce, pistachio pesto, mortadella, and fontal cheese, until you’ve used up all your ingredients. Make sure to finish with a layer of lasagna sheets on top.
• For the final layer, spread a generous amount of bechamel sauce over the lasagna sheets, then dollop spoonfuls of pistachio pesto over the bechamel sauce, and spread it out evenly.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of pistachio pesto, then the roughly chopped pistachios.
• You’re ready to put your pistachio lasagna in the oven to bake at 200C for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Keyword pistachio lasagna

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Now that you have the recipe for this delicious pistachio lasagna, it’s time to get making. Let me know what you think of it in the comments and please don’t become as addicted as we did!

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