Recipe: Lemon Pudding with Pistachios

Recipe: Lemon Pudding with Pistachios

Lemon pudding with pistachios is a creamy, tangy dessert that combines the freshness of lemon with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios. The smooth texture of the pudding is perfectly complemented by the crunchy pistachios on top, adding a delightful contrast to each spoonful. This simple yet elegant dessert is ideal for serving at a dinner party or enjoying as a sweet treat after a meal.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this flavorful lemon pudding, from preparing the pudding base to garnishing it with crunchy pistachios. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Pudding:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Garnish:

• 1/4 cup pistachios (crushed or roughly chopped)
• Extra lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pudding Base

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. These ingredients will help thicken the pudding and give it a smooth consistency.

2. Add the Milk and Cream
   Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. The pudding will start to thicken as it heats up.

3. Prepare the Egg Yolks
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks lightly. Once the milk mixture is hot and beginning to thicken, slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk into the egg yolks to temper them. This step is important to prevent the eggs from curdling when added to the hot mixture.

4. Combine the Egg Yolks and Milk Mixture
   Gradually pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture, stirring constantly. Continue to cook the pudding over medium heat for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens further and coats the back of a spoon.

5. Add the Lemon and Butter
   Once the pudding has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and unsalted butter. The lemon juice will add a tangy flavor, while the butter will give the pudding a smooth and rich texture.

Step 2: Cool the Pudding

1. Strain the Pudding
   If you prefer a super-smooth texture, you can strain the pudding through a fine mesh sieve to remove any small bits of cooked egg. This is optional but ensures a silky consistency.

2. Chill the Pudding
   Pour the pudding into individual serving bowls or a large dish. Cover with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.

Step 3: Prepare the Pistachio Garnish

1. Crush the Pistachios
   While the pudding chills, roughly chop or crush the pistachios. You can use a mortar and pestle, or simply place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

2. Prepare the Lemon Zest (Optional)
   If desired, you can also zest a little extra lemon to sprinkle over the top of the pudding along with the pistachios. This will add an extra burst of fresh citrus flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish the Pudding
   Once the pudding is fully chilled, sprinkle the crushed pistachios evenly over the top of each serving. You can also add a little extra lemon zest for added color and flavor.

2. Serve
   Serve the lemon pudding immediately after garnishing, and enjoy the creamy, tangy, and nutty flavors of this delightful dessert.

Tips and Variations

1. Add More Citrus
   For a deeper citrus flavor, you can add a few tablespoons of orange juice or zest along with the lemon. This will give the pudding a more complex, layered citrus taste.

2. Make It Vegan
   For a vegan version of this dessert, substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and replace the egg yolks with a mixture of cornstarch and coconut cream for a similar texture.

3. Sweeten to Taste
   If you prefer a sweeter pudding, feel free to add more sugar to the mixture. You can taste the pudding as you go and adjust the sweetness accordingly.

4. Chill Longer
   If you have the time, chill the pudding for longer than 2 hours, up to overnight. This will allow the flavors to develop further and the texture to firm up.

Health Benefits

1. Lemon
   Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps with skin health. The antioxidants in lemon also help protect the body from oxidative stress.

2. Pistachios
   Pistachios are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They help support heart health, aid digestion, and provide a nice crunch in this dessert.

3. Egg Yolks
   While egg yolks add richness and texture to the pudding, they also provide essential nutrients like vitamin D and choline, which support brain health and metabolic function.

Storage

Store any leftover lemon pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer to prepare the pudding in advance, it can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Conclusion

Lemon pudding with pistachios is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and nutty flavors. The smooth lemon pudding is complemented by the crunchy pistachios, making each bite a delightful contrast of textures. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion—whether as a sweet treat after dinner or a refreshing dessert for a summer gathering. Try this recipe today and indulge in a dessert that is both elegant and delicious!