4-Ingredient Pistachio Granita

This pistachio granita recipe is creamy unlike other granita recipes and has a beautiful green color. It includes only four ingredients making it an unfussy dessert even though it may seem fancy. This pistachio granita is so refreshing with a beautiful nutty flavor, and is great for a dessert after a meal or as a snack on a hot day.

To make this pistachio granita, you first make a simple syrup with sugar and water before mixing it with pistachio cream and chopped hazelnuts. Then, the entire mixture gets placed in the freezer before solidifying, and then, when you are ready to serve it, it gets blended in a food processor until it is very creamy.

What is Pistachio Granita?

Granita is a wonderful semi-frozen Italian dessert that has Sicilian origins. Granita can be made with fruit, nuts, or chocolate as the primary flavor. This version contains both pistachios and pistachio cream which gives it a beautiful color, flavor, and texture.

Often, granita will have more of a granular texture rather than sorbet or ice cream that are creamier. However, the textures of granita can vary depending on where it is made with some versions having a smoother texture. This pistachio granita is quite smooth and creamy, but you can feel free to make it grainer in texture if you prefer.

Pro Tips

• If you can’t find pistachio cream or butter at the grocery store, you can make your own by blending pistachios into a paste with a tablespoon or two of oil.
• When you make the simple syrup, make sure you boil it until the sugar is dissolved.
• If you would like to make the pistachio granita more grainy in texture, simply skip the food processor step at the end of the recipe.
• If you would like to make granita with another type of nut, you could replace the pistachios and pistachio butter with another type of nut and butter.
• Feel free to garnish the pistachio granita with whipped cream, whipped coconut cream, chopped pistachios, or chopped chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pistachios Good for You?

Yes, similar to other types of nuts, pistachios are nutrient-rich with fat, fiber, protein, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and more.

Can I Make My Own Pistachio Cream?

Yes, if you can’t find pistachio cream in your local grocery store, you can make your own at home. Simply blend shelled pistachios with some oil until they form a smooth paste that can easily be incorporated into the granita mixture.

Where are Pistachios Produced in Italy?

Pistachios are primarily grown in Sicily, particularly in Agrigento and Syracuse. An essential part of agriculture in those areas, it is no wonder that pistachios are used in so many dishes including this pistachio granita.

What Ingredients are Needed for Pistachio Granita?

Pistachio granita only needs four ingredients including pistachio cream, pistachios, sugar, and water.

How to Store Pistachio Granita

This pistachio granita can be stored in a sealed container in the freezer until you are ready to serve it. However, you may need to re-blend it in the food processor if it firms up too much in the freezer during storage.

How to Make Pistachio Granita

Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and boil it until the sugar is dissolved.

Stir in the pistachio cream.

Stir in the chopped pistachios.

Allow the mixture to cool. Pour it into a dish and freeze it until it is firm, about 4 hours, stirring it every 30 minutes.

Cut the granita into chunks and blend it in a food processor until it is creamy.

Spoon the granita into glasses and serve immediately!