Looking for a healthy yet indulgent recipe that supports your slimming goals while offering top-quality nutrition? This Pistachio and Mushroom Cheesecake is a unique savoury dish that perfectly fits a balanced diet in Malta. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s ideal for those who want to enjoy gourmet flavours without compromising their health or weight management journey.
This recipe is perfect for anyone following a Mediterranean-inspired slimming diet and can be enjoyed as a light lunch, dinner, or a nutritious snack option.
Nutritional Highlights
- Pistachios – Rich in heart-healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, they also help with appetite control, making them ideal for weight loss plans.
- Mushrooms – Low in calories yet high in B vitamins, selenium, and fibre, supporting digestion and energy levels.
- Feta & Parmesan – Provide calcium and protein while adding a rich, savoury taste without excessive calories.
- Olive Oil – A staple in a Mediterranean diet that promotes heart health.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- ½ cup pistachios, finely chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup wholegrain breadcrumbs (for extra fibre in your slimming diet)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
For the Filling
- 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened (choose reduced-fat for a lower-calorie slimming option)
- ½ cup sour cream (low-fat if preferred)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). In a mixing bowl, combine pistachios, feta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Press firmly into the base of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes until golden, then set aside.
2. Cook the Mushroom Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms and garlic for 5–7 minutes until soft and all moisture has evaporated. Allow to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Cheesecake Base
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, and Parmesan until smooth. Stir in the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
4. Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture over the baked crust, smoothing the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until set and lightly golden.
5. Cool, Garnish & Serve
Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme and extra pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Slimming & Diet Tips for Malta
- Portion Control – Enjoy a small slice with a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Make Ahead – Perfect for meal prep; store in the fridge and reheat gently.
- Ingredient Swaps – Use goat cheese instead of feta, or walnuts instead of pistachios, depending on availability in Malta.
- Pairing Idea – Serve alongside roasted Mediterranean vegetables for extra fibre and vitamins.
By incorporating nutrition-focused ingredients and following a balanced slimming diet approach, this Pistachio & Mushroom Cheesecake proves that healthy eating in Malta can be both delicious and satisfying.
