The grand finale of a classic Thanksgiving dinner – the pie — is arguably the very best a part of the complete meal. After indulging in a plate stuffed with turkey and all the fixings, rounding out the night time with some pumpkin or apple sweetness merely is sensible.
However sadly, whereas pie is totally delish, it is not at all times your best option to incorporate in case you are attempting to observe a nutritious diet. Whereas a small slice of pie actually will not make or break your general well being standing, overeating this dessert generally is a not-so-great alternative.
The unhealthy offender of the pie is commonly not your filling of alternative. Particularly if the pie is made with out loads of sugar, most fillings are heavy on actual fruit or veggies (like pumpkin), that are naturally jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. As an alternative, the flaky and crispy crust is the place the majority of the energy and fats might be discovered in lots of pie recipes, which is why it is best to critically take into account making your Thanksgiving dessert’s pie crust with nuts.
Pie crust might be loaded with unhealthy fat
There is no such thing as a denying that there are few meals which can be as satisfying as a traditional pie crust. However as mouthwatering as this a part of the pie might be, it may be equally filled with energy and unhealthy fat, making it a meals that many individuals could wish to skip.
Typically made with shortening or hydrogenated oils, pie crusts are loaded with saturated fat and empty energy – and never a lot else.
In actual fact, a pre-made pie crust made with hydrogenated oil accommodates a whopping 8 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat (almost 20% of the DV), and zero fiber per serving. And in case you are topping your pie with one other layer of crust, plan on doubling these numbers if you end up biting into your dessert.
Consuming too many hydrogenated oils is linked to an increase in LDL “bad” cholesterol and an increased risk of experiencing chronic inflammation. And the opposite elements present in most traditional pie crusts serve their function when it comes to style, however they do not provide a lot in the case of diet.
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A DIY pistachio pie crust can elevate your dessert
So, in case you are a pie lover, how are you going to healthify your pie whereas nonetheless feeling completely glad if you end up biting into that candy goodness?
One possibility is to go crust-free. Simply consuming the filling of a pie and foregoing the crust altogether can nonetheless provide you with your pumpkin or pecan repair with out the additional energy. However if you happen to simply want that satisfying pie crust and you don’t need a heavy traditional, there may be hope for you too, with the assistance of the common-or-garden pistachio.
With simply two elements – Great Pistachios Honey Roasted, No Shell pistachios and coconut oil, you may have your self a better-for-you pie crust answer that’s filled with nutrient-rich goodness. Great Pistachios present a superb supply of plant protein and fiber. Plus, about 90% of the fat present in pistachios are unsaturated, for a trio of vitamins which will assist hold you fuller longer. However wait, it will get higher: pistachios are one of many lowest calorie, lowest fats snack nuts.
And do not get us began on the honey-roasted taste of those pistachios, which provides some satisfying sweetness to your dessert that may complement your filling fairly properly (and saves you additional steps of including extra flavorful elements).
The best way to make it
Merely processing 2 cups of the pistachios and 4 tablespoons of coconut oil in a meals processor and urgent the combination right into a 9-inch greased pie dish till a crust form is fashioned will go away you with a easy and yummy crust that’s nearly prepared for any filling.
Bake the crust in a preheated oven for 350 levels (F) for 10 minutes, cool, after which fill with whichever filling you want for the last word Thanksgiving dessert that is not filled with empty energy and saturated fats.
A store-bought model
There are some pre-made pie crusts made with actual nuts (like this walnut pie crust) if you wish to add some additional wholesome fat into your dessert with out the necessity to DIY chop. Simply take into account that the pre-made model is made with elements like enriched flour, making it an possibility that isn’t applicable for these following a gluten-free life-style.
Takeaway
Making a small swap together with your pie crust permits you to get pleasure from your favourite turkey day dessert with a bit additional diet, all without having to on style or custom. A easy crust made with honey-roasted pistachios and coconut oil can elevate your pie in each the flavour and diet division with no fuss – and who does not need that?
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