Pistachio Eclairs Recipe
Introduction
Prepare to indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our Pistachio Éclairs. These elegant pastries, born in the sumptuous kitchens of France, combine the perfect crisp of choux pastry with the creamy goodness of pistachio-flavored filling. Their light, airy texture paired with a rich pistachio filling offers a harmonious blend of flavors sure to delight dessert lovers. Let us guide you through crafting these exquisite eclairs right in your own kitchen.
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Mixing Bowls
- Medium Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Electric Mixer
- Piping Bag with Large Round Tip
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Wire Rack
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 2 hours
Ingredients
- For the Choux Pastry:
- 125ml (1/2 cup) water
- 125ml (1/2 cup) whole milk
- 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 4g (1/2 tsp) salt
- 5g (1 tbsp) granulated sugar
- 150g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the Pistachio Filling:
- 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 50g (1/3 cup) cornflour (cornstarch)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 120g (1 cup) pistachio paste
- Green food coloring, optional
- For Decoration:
- 50g (1/4 cup) roughly chopped pistachios
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, combine 125ml (1/2 cup) water, 125ml (1/2 cup) whole milk, 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, 4g (1/2 tsp) salt, and 5g (1 tbsp) granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and immediately add 150g (1 cup) all-purpose flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Return the pan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to dry the mixture slightly. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Using an electric mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 2: Pipe and Bake the Eclairs
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 10-12 cm (4-5 inch) lines onto the lined baking sheet, leaving space between each eclair. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then lower the temperature to 190°C (375°F) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Prepare the Pistachio Filling
In a large saucepan, heat 500ml (2 cups) whole milk over medium heat until just steaming. In a separate bowl, whisk together 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 50g (1/3 cup) cornflour, and 4 large egg yolks until smooth. Gradually pour the hot milk over the egg mixture while whisking. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 120g (1 cup) pistachio paste until smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring if desired. Transfer the filling to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and refrigerate until cool.
Step 4: Fill the Eclairs
Once both the eclairs and filling are completely cooled, transfer the pistachio filling to a piping bag with a small tip. Gently poke a hole at each end of the eclair and fill with the pistachio cream. Repeat for all eclairs.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve
Dip the tops of the filled eclairs into powdered sugar mixed with a little warm water for gloss, or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Garnish with 50g (1/4 cup) roughly chopped pistachios. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two days.
Conclusion
Rejoice in having masterfully crafted delicious Pistachio Eclairs! These pastries, with their harmoniously balanced flavors and textures, are sure to dazzle anyone who tries them. Indeed, nothing speaks volumes of sophistication than the perfect eclair. Enjoy these delightful treats with your loved ones, and let the subtle yet profound flavors of pistachio elevate your sweet indulgence. Bon appétit!
