How to Roast Pistachios

Pistachios are nuts related to cashews. They can be soaked in salt brine and roasted at home, with minimal time and effort, resulting in a delicious snack. Pistachios are a wonderful source of protein, making them a favorite of vegetarians. They are also high in potassium, and when unsalted, low in sodium. This recipe yields approximately 8 to 10 cups of roasted pistachios.

Things You'll Need

• Small mixing bowl
• Table salt
• Deep sauce pan
• Hulled pistachios
• Cookie sheet
• Airtight container (optional)

Instructions

1. Pour 1/2 cup of warm water from the tap into a small mixing bowl. Add 6 tsp. of table salt to the water and allow it to dissolve completely.

2. Pour the salt and water mixture into a large, deep sauce pan. Heat on medium-high flame until the water comes to a boil.

3. Add 8 to 10 cups of hulled pistachios to the salted water, and stir constantly until all the water has evaporated and the salt has been infused into the nuts, which should take approximately 30 minutes.

4. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Place the salted pistachios onto a cookie sheet in a single layer and cook in the oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

5. Stir the pistachios every 30 minutes while they are being roasted, to ensure an even roasting. Remove them from the oven and serve or store in an airtight container until you are ready to eat the pistachios.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave the nuts in the oven longer if you like crispier roasted pistachios or for a shorter amount of time if you prefer them softer. For healthier roasted pistachios, omit the salt brine, and simply roast on cookie sheets for 1 to 2 hours. These will have less sodium, but also less taste. If you can't find hulled pistachios in your area, purchase them with the hulls on and remove them yourself. Most pistachios are sold without hulls, but in some cases, Turkish varieties may still have their hull.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish