Banana Pudding With Pistachio Crumble

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Using an immersion or standard blender, purée bananas until very smooth. Set aside.

2. Step 2

   In a medium pot set over medium heat, combine milk, cream, 150 grams (¾ cup) sugar, cornstarch, vanilla bean and seeds, and 2 grams (½ teaspoon) salt, and cook, whisking, until liquid comes to a simmer and begins to thicken. Take the pot off the heat and whisk in banana purée, egg yolks and 3 tablespoons butter. Return pot to the heat and bring the mixture back to a simmer, whisking constantly. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until thick.

3. Step 3

   Transfer the pudding to a bowl set in a larger bowl filled with ice water and whisk for 5 or until the pudding is cool to touch. Discard vanilla bean, divide the pudding in serving bowls, cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

4. Step 4

   Meanwhile, prepare the crumble. Heat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small saucepan set over medium heat, melt the remaining 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) butter and set aside to cool.

5. Step 5

   In a food processor, pulse the pistachios a few times until roughly chopped. Add the flour, remaining 150 grams (¾ cup) sugar, and remaining 2 grams (½ teaspoon) salt, and pulse until the ingredients are just combined. Add the melted butter and pulse a few times until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.

6. Step 6

   Transfer the crumbs to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until crumble starts to brown at the edges, about 15 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and using a flat spatula, flip the crumble over, piece by piece, so that the browned side is now on the bottom. The pieces will break apart; this is O.K. Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crumble is golden-brown and very crisp. Transfer to a rack and let cool completely before breaking apart into crumbs. Serve crumble sprinkled over the banana pudding. (You will have extra crumble.)