Dubai Ice Cream with Pistachio and Chocolate is luxury for the taste buds. In many Middle Eastern cultures, serving nuts—especially pistachios—to guests is a symbol of hospitality and generosity.
Their high cost and long-growing time of 7 years for a pistachio tree to bear fruit makes them a luxury item. They are historically associated with status and celebration.
Pistachios have been cultivated in the region for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows pistachio consumption as far back as 7,000 BC in what is now modern-day Iran. This long history makes them an ingrained part of regional identity and tradition.
Last year, we meet a gentleman that immigrated from Cuba and has lived in Tampa Florida for 30 years. When asked his favorite place to visit he said Dubai.
He said that he loved the people, it was safe, beautiful food and kid friendly with no crime. It is always interesting to see how small the world has become, today a Cuban man that fled to America and started his own company is now able to travel Dubai, something that would of never happen 30 years ago. How the world has changed for culture to blend together, such as this delicious ice cream mixture. Now let's get started on a favorite from Dubai.
Choosing the Best Pistachios
The key to a creamy pistachio ice cream is starting with good pistachio nuts. Sicilian pistachios are often considered the gold standard due to their vibrant color and rich flavor. Whether you choose raw pistachios, toasted pistachios, or roasted pistachios, be sure to select the best pistachios you can find—ideally unsalted, so you can control the salt content.
Simple Ingredients
- pistachio paste
- whole milk
- heavy cream
- vanilla
- eggs
- salt
- pistachio chopped
- chocolate chip or chocolate bar chopped
Preparing the Ice Cream Base
This custard base starts with classic ingredients: egg yolks, whole milk, heavy cream (or double cream), and white sugar. You’ll begin by gently heating the milk mixture over medium heat in a large saucepan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cup sugar until pale. Slowly temper the egg yolk mixture with the warm milk, then return everything to the saucepan, cooking over low heat until it thickens slightly—be careful not to scramble the eggs. Once it starts to thicking add the pistachio paste and mix to blend into the mixture.
Chilling & Churning
Pour the into a glass container and place in the fridge for 2 hours.
Follow your ice cream machine or Cuisinart ice cream maker’s manufacturer’s instructions to churn pistachio ice cream until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Mine was about 35 minutes.
Freezing & Serving
Transfer your churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula with one layer then add in chopped pistachios and chocolate in between each layer of ice cream, repeat step till the all ice cream is done.
The ice cream is soft at this time so freeze for at least four hours. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for the perfect scoop!
Variations to Try
- Vegan Ice Cream: Swap the dairy with coconut milk, coconut cream, or cashew milk for a creamy plant-based treat.
- No-Churn Recipe: Mix sweetened condensed milk with whipped cream and pistachio paste for a simple no-machine version.
- Pistachio Gelato: Use more whole milk and less cream for a lower fat content and smoother texture.
Real Life Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- I don't add the nuts to the machine because they seem to get stuck so I add in between layers.
- If your first batch turns out icy, your ice cream base may not have been cold enough.
Some Items For This Recipe
(Amazon affiliate links)- Check out all of my Amazon Storefronts or buy some items for this recipe.
Making creamy pistachio ice cream at home is easier than you might think. It takes a little time, a bit of technique, and high-quality ingredients—but the result is the real deal. Whether you’re trying this for the first time or improving on your second batch, you’ll soon have a new favorite ice cream flavor to share with a lot of people—or keep all to yourself.
Hope you enjoyed our journey today with Dubai favorite. Until next time my beautiful friends as my quest for the perfect bite continues. As they say in Dubai, al-ta'am kan mumtaz! AKA: the food was excellent.
More Middle East Recipes
Dubai Ice Cream with Pistachio and Chocolate
Equipment
- 1 ice cream machine
Ingredients
Mix
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup pistachio paste
Eggs
- 5 egg yolks room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tablespoon vanilla
- dash of salt
Toppings
- ½ cup pistachio chopped
- ½ cup mini chocolate chip
Instructions
Preparing the Ice Cream Base
- Begin by gently heating the milk and cream over medium heat in a large saucepan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, vanilla, salt, sugar until pale.
- Slowly temper the egg yolk with 1 cup mixture of the warm milk, pour a little at a time and mix, then return everything to the saucepan.
- Cook over low heat until it thickens slightly—be careful not to scramble the eggs. Once it starts to thicken add the pistachio paste and mix to blend into the mixture.
Chilling & Churning
- Pour mixture into a glass container and place in the fridge for 2 hours. Remove and pour into the ice cream machine churn pistachio ice cream until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Mine was about 35 minutes.
Freezing & Serving
- Transfer your churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container.
- Smoothing the top with a spatula with one layer then add in chopped pistachios and chocolate in between each layer of ice cream, repeat step till the all ice cream is done.
- The ice cream is soft at this time so freeze for at least four hours. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for the perfect scoop!
Notes
- I don't add the nuts to the machine because they seem t get stuck so I add inbetween layers.
- If your first batch turns out icy, your ice cream base may not have been cold enough.
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