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Looking for a dessert to enjoy this weekend. Try this delicious almond nougat. The nougat has a deep root in French Cuisine and in the royal sweets of the culture. You might have come across nougat in many different forms.
One of the most popular forms that you have enjoyed a lot is “snickers”. That gooey, brownish center with peanut bites is what the nougat is about.
What is Almond Nougat?
Almond nougat, also known as torrone in Italy or turrón in Spain, is a type of confectionery traditionally made with almonds, sugar, honey, and egg whites. The ingredients are cooked together until they reach a thick, chewy consistency. The mixture is then spread out to cool, often between two sheets of edible rice paper to prevent sticking. Once cooled, the nougat is cut into blocks or rectangles.
What are the two primary types of almond nougat?
- Hard nougat (Torrone duro or Turrón de Alicante): This type is a hard and crunchy nougat made with whole almonds. It’s cooked for a longer period, resulting in a brittle, crunchy texture.
- Soft nougat (Torrone morbido or Turrón de Jijona): This version is soft and chewy, with the almonds ground into a paste before being mixed with the other ingredients.
Nougat is enjoyed worldwide and is a popular treat during Christmas in Italy and Spain. Its sweet, nutty flavor and unique texture make it a delicious and satisfying dessert.
What Goes Well With Almond Nougat?
Almond nougat is a sweet treat, and pairing it with other dishes can create a delightful culinary experience. Here are five great dishes to have with almond nougat:
- Espresso or Cappuccino: The bitterness of a well-made espresso or cappuccino can complement the sweetness of the almond nougat, creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Dark Chocolate Mousse: The rich and creamy texture of a dark chocolate mousse can be a delightful contrast to the chewy consistency of almond nougat. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate also pairs well with the sweetness of the nougat.
- Berry Compote: A tangy berry compote made from raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries can add a refreshing and acidic contrast to the sweet and nutty flavor of the almond nougat.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, especially aged ones like Manchego, Brie, or Gouda, can be a savory counterpoint to the sweet nougat. Add some crackers, dried fruits, and nuts to the board for a complete experience.
- Vanilla Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert has a subtle vanilla flavor that can be a perfect backdrop for the pronounced taste of almond nougat. Serving small pieces of nougat on top or on the side can enhance the overall dessert experience.
Getting inspiration from this, we have created a delicious nougat that has a white base along with crunchy roasted almonds. This nougat is a more refined form as it is made by following the traditional preparation method and culinary techniques.
But, don’t worry, you don’t require a culinary degree to prepare delicious nougat. Here is a super easy recipe for you to follow!
Recipe:
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Almond Nougat
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 1 bar 1x
Description
Dive in the delicious and creamy texture of nougat. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe includes roasted almonds that add a crunchy texture to the dish.
Ingredients
2 sheets of edible rice paper
3/4 cup almonds, blanched
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 tbsp water
3/4 cup glucose syrup
1 egg white
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place rice papers side by side and cut them into an 18 x 28 cm to get two rectangles.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place rice papers on it.
- Spread blanched almonds over a baking tray and place the tray in a preheated oven at 170 degrees C for 7 minutes.
- Once they are golden-brown, cool the almonds, chop, and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, add sugar, water, glucose syrup and place on medium heat.
- Stir constantly for about 8 minutes until everything is well dissolved.
- In an electric mixer bowl, add egg whites and whisk until they turn white and foamy. Reduce the speed and pour in the sugar and glucose mixture slowing and continue to whisk for 3 minutes.
- Pour in almonds and vanilla extracts and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish over rice papers.
- Place the baking tray in a cool dry place to set for about 6 minutes.
For serving:
Once the nougat is set, remove it from the baking dish and place it on the cutting board. Cut into slices and enjoy.
Notes
As you boil the sugar mixture, use a wet brush to brush the edges so that there is no crystallization.
Before you pour in the sugar mixture into the egg whites, make sure the electric mixer is at low speed.
Make sure the mixture is 120 degrees C before pouring in the sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
Its creamy and rich texture will melt in your mouth. People think that making nougats is a difficult task. However, it is not that difficult. It only requires attention to detail and the right preparation method.
Is Nougat a Healthy Snack?
Nougat is a sweet treat, and like most confections, it should be enjoyed in moderation. While it does contain healthy elements, it also has a high sugar content, which can contribute to health issues if consumed excessively.
Here are some aspects of nougat to consider when assessing its nutritional value:
Pros:
- Nuts: Nougat often contains nuts, like almonds, which are a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and various important nutrients.
- Honey: Some varieties of nougat use honey, which has been associated with certain health benefits, including antioxidant properties.
Cons:
- High in sugar: Nougat is typically made with a large amount of sugar or honey, which makes it a high-calorie food. Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health problems.
- Saturated Fat: Some nougat recipes include ingredients like butter or cream, which can add to its saturated fat content.
While nougat does contain some healthy ingredients, it’s best to consume it in moderation due to its high sugar and calorie content. If you’re looking for healthier snack options, consider raw nuts, fruits, or yogurt.
Nougats From Around the World
There are many variations of nougat around the world that you might consider trying to bake. Here are a few options:
- Torrone (Italy): Italian nougat, known as torrone, is traditionally made with honey, sugar, egg whites, and toasted nuts like almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts. It comes in hard and soft varieties, with the hard version being crunchy and the soft version more chewy.
- Turrón (Spain): Spanish turrón is similar to Italian torrone and comes in a variety of forms. The most traditional versions are Turrón de Alicante (hard) and Turrón de Jijona (soft), both typically made with almonds.
- Nougat de Montélimar (France): This is a special kind of nougat from the town of Montélimar in France. It’s a soft nougat that must, by law, contain at least 30% lightly roasted nuts (at least 28% of which must be almonds, the rest can be pistachios or other nuts).
- Gaz (Iran): Gaz is a Persian nougat that’s made with rosewater, egg whites, sugar, honey, and pistachios. It’s unique for its inclusion of “gaz-angabin”, a sap from the tamarisk tree that grows in the region of Isfahan.
- Mantecol/ Nucrem (Argentina): Similar to the Spanish soft nougat, this version is made with peanuts instead of almonds.
- Nougatine (France/Belgium): This is a harder, caramelized version of nougat that is often used in baking or as a decoration for desserts. It’s made by cooking sugar until it caramelizes and then adding almonds or other nuts.
- Turkish Delight/Nougat (Turkey): While not strictly a nougat, Turkish delight has a similar texture to soft nougat and can be made with a variety of flavors and nuts.
Remember, these traditional recipes can often be adapted to your personal preference. You can switch out the types of nuts used, add dried fruit, or incorporate different flavors such as vanilla or chocolate.
FAQs About Almond Nougat
What is the origin of almond nougat?
Almond nougat has deep roots in French cuisine and is considered a royal sweet in the culture. It’s also popular in countries like Italy and Spain, known as torrone and turrón, respectively.
How does almond nougat differ from other nougats?
Almond nougat is traditionally made with almonds, sugar, honey, and egg whites. There are two primary types: hard and soft. The hard nougat is crunchy, while the soft nougat is chewy.
What are some other popular nougat variations worldwide?
Some global variations include Torrone from Italy, Turrón from Spain, Nougat de Montélimar from France, Gaz from Iran, Mantecol/Nucrem from Argentina, Nougatine from France/Belgium, and Turkish Delight from Turkey.
Is almond nougat considered a healthy snack?
While nougat contains healthy ingredients like nuts and honey, it’s also high in sugar and calories. It’s best to consume it in moderation.
How can one customize the almond nougat recipe?
Traditional recipes can be adapted based on personal preferences. You can switch out the types of nuts, add dried fruits, or incorporate different flavors like vanilla or chocolate.
How long does it take to prepare almond nougat?
The provided recipe has a prep time of 20 minutes and a cook time of 35 minutes, totaling 55 minutes.
How should almond nougat be stored?
Almond nougat should be stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. If the nougat is particularly sticky, you can wrap individual pieces in parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
How long can almond nougat be stored?
When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, almond nougat can last for up to 2-3 weeks. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to consume it within the first week.
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