Pistachio pudding is a dessert popular in North America made of instant premix. It is green in color and has a creamy starch texture. It has a prominent flavor of pistachio. Kraft foods manufacture a pistachio pudding under the brand Jell-O. The pudding is also an ingredient for making sweet salads and it is also used to ice cakes.
History
Pistachio pudding was first developed by Kraft foods in 1975. It later introduced a sugar free version.
Ingredients and Preparation
The ingredients of instant pistachio pudding are modified cornstarch, sugar, almonds, pistachio, flavor, disodium phosphate, calcium sulphate, xanthan gum, tetrasodium phosphate, mono and diglycerides, artificial color and BHA.
25 g of pudding premix is cooked with 1 cup milk. The premix is mixed in cold milk and then heated till thick.
Serving
· Pistachio pudding is served with whipped cream and almonds.
Culinary Uses
· Pistachio pudding can be used to make watergate salad. Pudding is mixed with pineapple, cool whip and marshmallows.
· It can be used as a filling for pies and cakes.
· It can be used to make layered desserts.
Health and Nutrition Facts
Original Pistachio Pudding
Serving size – 1 cup
Calories – 160 cal, Fat – 0.5 g, Protein – 1 g, Sodium – 360 mg, Carbohydrates – 20 g
· This dessert is low in calories and fat. The major contribution of calories is because of the sugar.
· A healthier sugar free alternative should be used.
· Low fat or skimmed milk should be used to make the dessert.
· It should be avoided by people suffering from hypertension and high blood pressure problems as it contains preservatives and sodium additives.
Sugar free pistachio pudding:
Serving size – 1 cup
Calories – 70 cal, Fat – 0, Protein – 1 g, Sodium – 310 mg, Carbohydrates – 6 g
· The sugar free version is very low in calories and is a healthier alternative. It is recommended for people suffering from obesity.
· A lactose free version can be made by replacing milk with soy milk. It can be cooked in the same way like regular pistachio pudding.
· The nutritive value of the dish can be increased by adding nuts to it. This will incorporate proteins.