Pairing Pistachios with Beer and Wine

Wine enthusiasts and beer fans unite! Pistachios are equal-opportunity nuts; they love you both. Depending on the preparation, pistachios are as comfortable with a porter or pilsner as they are with Merlot. They can get down at a ballpark tailgate or go dressy when the occasion requires. For just about any pistachio dish you can dream up, you can find a beer and a wine that will work.

A few pairing principles:

• Match intensities. Pair delicate dishes with light-bodied white wines and low—to moderate—alcohol beers. Pair robust dishes with more concentrated wines or more alcoholic brews.
• Pair dishes with sweet notes with off-dry wines or malt-forward brews.
• Pair spicy dishes with sparkling wine or hoppy beers.
• Pair desserts with sweet wines or sherries or with rich, malty, high-alcohol beers.

With Spicy Mediterranean Roasted Pistachios
(See recipe in link)
Wine: Prosecco
Beer: Pale Ale

With Pistachio Guacamole
Wine:  Heart of the Desert Chardonnay
Beer: Pilsner

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• ½ lime
• 1 small garlic clove
• ½ handful salted pistachio kernels, chopped
• Sea salt
• Fresh pepper

Directions:
Halve the avocado, remove the skin and the pit and chop the flesh into small pieces. Using a fork, mash the flesh, and stir in the lime juice. Crush a small clove of garlic in and mix in half a handful of chopped pistachios. Season with sea salt and fresh black pepper.

Pair with your favorite chips or add to a salmon burger.

With Tuna Crudo with Pistachios and Pistachio Oil
(See recipe in link)
Wine: Albariño
Beer: Wheat Beer

With Spaghetti with Pistachio Pesto
(See recipe in link)
Wine: Heart of the Desert Chardonnay
Beer: Kölsch

With Pistachio Dusted Roast Salmon
(See recipe in link)
Wine: Heart of the Desert Corazon Gitano
Beer: Saison

With Pork, Pistachio Meatballs
(See recipe in link)
Wine: Heart of the Desert Merlot
Beer: Amber Ale

With Lamb Chops in Pistachio Crust
(See recipe in link)
Wine: Heart of the Desert Cabernet Sauvignon
Beer: Imperial Red Ale

With Pistachio Olive Oil Cake
(See recipe in link)
Wine: Heart of the Desert Pistachio Rosé
Beer: Belgian-style Quadrupel

Have fun with making new recipes and trying new beverages. Pairing different things together is always a great experience. You can see what you like and what you don’t. Always take good notes so you remember for next time.

Source: https://americanpistachios.org/food-professionals/pistachios-beer-and-wine

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico.  They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines.  Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings.  They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts.  The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for weddings, private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.