Open Pesky Pistachio Nuts

Crack the code to those stubborn pistachio shells with this ingenious recipe for "Open Pesky Pistachio Nuts." Say goodbye to frustration and hello to perfectly shelled nuts with a simple soaking technique that softens even the toughest shells. Soaking the pistachios in warm water makes the shells slightly pliable, while a quick cool-down in ice water gives you a solid grip for easier opening. Using a butter knife or a pistachio shell as a handy lever, you'll easily unlock the treasure inside. Perfect for snacking or adding to recipes, this method guarantees fresh, intact pistachio kernels every time. Ideal for nut lovers and snack enthusiasts, this step-by-step guide is your ultimate solution for tackling those pesky pistachios!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup Pistachio nuts (unshelled)
• 2 cups Warm water
• 1 medium-sized Bowl of ice water
• 1 tool Butter knife or shell of another pistachio

Directions

Step 1

Measure 1 cup of pistachio nuts and place them in a medium bowl.

Step 2

Pour 2 cups of warm water over the pistachios and let them soak for 5 minutes. This helps loosen the shells slightly.

Step 3

While waiting, prepare a bowl of ice water to cool the pistachios after soaking.

Step 4

Drain the pistachios from the warm water and immediately transfer them into the ice water. Let them sit for 2 minutes to cool and tighten slightly for better grip.

Step 5

Remove one pistachio from the bowl. Examine the shell for a small opening or crack.

Step 6

If the pistachio has a crack, insert the edge of a butter knife, or use half of a previously opened pistachio shell as a lever. Twist gently until the shell pops open.

Step 7

If no crack is visible, gently tap the pistachio with the blunt side of the butter knife or press lightly on the shell to encourage a small break, then repeat the opening steps.

Step 8

Discard the empty shells and enjoy the pistachio kernels as you open them.

Step 9

Repeat this process for the entire batch, and serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	875.6 grams (875.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	889

Total Fat 72.20g	93%
Saturated Fat 8.30g	42%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 44.40g	16%
Dietary Fiber 16.70g	60%
Total Sugars 11.10g
Protein 33.30g	67%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 167mg	13%
Iron 6mg	34%
Potassium 1611mg	34%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.6%

Protein: 13.9%

Carbs: 18.5%