Matcha Pistachio Nut Milk

Hannah Sunderani
Sep 19, 2016
4 min read

This Matcha Pistachio Nut Milk is the most comforting nut milk I have ever tasted! I'm surprised it's not flooding the walls of our grocery stores with people fighting over the last jug - like two bargain shoppers on black Friday. Because this Matcha Pistachio Nut milk is worth fighting for! It is, 100% THE MOST, creamy, euphorically sweet nut milk I've ever had the pleasure of tasting; and is a revelation to the nut milk world.

We all know that the world of nut milks have taken the main-stage in our grocery stores, showcasing a variety of types and flavours for all our taste desires. Nut milk is far from a novel concept these days - what used to be seen as a bizarre milk alternative has quickly become the norm. Even here in France nut milk is claiming its popularity showing up in big chain grocers, which I'm thrilled by! As its popularity soars we have more and more brands and varieties to choose from - which is always a bonus! I've seen hazlenut, almond, cashew, and other nut-free alternatives like soy, coconut, hemp, and oat! But sadly, it seems when the audition for dairy-free milk alternatives was occurring, pistachios were MIA! And it's such a shame this nut missed the auditions.

I'll admit I'm a sucker for pistachios. As a kid I used to eat so many that my fingers would get red and sore from cracking open too many shells! Crazy I know, but it was worth the discomfort every time. And not only do I enjoy pistachios as a solo snack, but it makes a great partner to any sweet treat. Pistachio cakes, baklava...dont even get me started on pistachio gelato! Years ago I travelled to Italy with Mitch and lived solely off pistachio gelato for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'm surprised I didnt turn green! Now a days I've taken to adding it to nice cream for a dairy-free alternative. But seriously, I get weak in the knees for anything pistachio.

So it was only a matter of time before I'd question how this nut was overlooked in the nut-milk auditions. I couldn't understand it! Was there something the nut-milk judges knew that I didnt? Had they given it a fair audition? Only to watch it crack under the pressure? I needed to try for myself - to give this green underdog a chance to prove itself in the world of milking. I put down my almonds, picked up my pistachios and got cracking - literally -while watching the next episode of Narcos on Netflix. Then, I rinsed the nuts and soaked them overnight. In the morning I dumped the bright green pistachios into my blender and watched them perform.

What a work of art! The milk had blended into a beautiful light green drink. I gave it a taste and melted into bliss. But, I knew that a few extra flavours could enhance this delicious drink even more. I added a little matcha green tea and some dates. This my friends, was the show stopper. The blended flavours of pistachio, matcha and dates was a true masterpiece - a trio of talent at its finest. Sipping the glass like a rare delicately, I let the flavours linger as they offered smooth, sweet and creamy notes. It was luxurious. I sat back and allowed my taste buds to be pampered.

It's true what they say - never underestimate the underdog. This overlooked nut makes beautiful milk. It's a heavenly green drink that cannot be replicated by any other nut. This Matcha Pistachio Nut Milk can stand on it's own, taking centre stage in all its glory. I've been indulging in a glass after dinner, and before bed. It's delicious cold, or warm and frothed like a latte. The taste is so comforting and complete that it needs nothing but a simple glass to be enjoyed from. But of course it can also be used in breakfast bowls just like other milk alternatives. I've recently used it to make a chia breakfast bowl that put me in a heavenly state for the rest of day, (recipe coming soon)!

I urge you to give this delicious nut milk a try. It's a simple pleasure that's too good to pass. Hope you enjoy the show!

Matcha Pistachio Nut Milk

Makes: 3 cups| Prep Time: 8 hours 10 mins (10 mins. active prep) | Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups unsalted pistachios (shells removed)
3 1/2 cups filtered water
1 vanilla bean
3-4 dates (or to taste)
1 1/2 tsp matcha green tea
pinch cinnamon
pinch sea salt

Preparation:

Remove shells from your pistachio nuts and discard. Soak the nuts in filtered water for 8 hours, or overnight.
Strain your soaked pistachios and add to your blender.
Add filtered water, vanilla bean, dates, matcha green tea, cinnamon and salt. Blend on high for at least one minute. Taste for sweetness, and add more dates if desired.
Place your nut milk bag inside a big bowl, and slowly pour your milk into the bag to strain. Gently squeeze the bag allowing the milk to seep out.
Continue to squeeze the milk from the bag, moving your hands around the bag to allow new areas to be milked. Squeeze until you can no longer remove milk from the bag.
Pour the freshly squeezed milk from your bowl back into your blender (this just allows for easy pouring into a bottle). Transfer the milk into an air tight bottle and store in the fridge.