This homemade nougat recipe is a delightful and chewy confection, combining honey, sugar, and egg whites with a blend of toasted nuts for added crunch. It’s a perfect treat for the holidays or special occasions. While it requires some patience, the result is a decadent and delicious dessert that’s worth the wait. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time for cooling and cutting!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cooling Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- Honey: 400 g (1 1/4 cup)
- Sugar: 250 g (1 1/4 cup)
- Egg whites: 3
- Salt: A pinch
- Vanillin (optional): 1 tsp
- Pistachios: 75 g (1/2 cup)
- Almonds: 70 g (1/2 cup)
- Peanuts: 65 g (1/2 cup)
- Hazelnuts: 65 g (1/2 cup)
Directions:
- Cook the Honey & Sugar:
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and sugar. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will thicken slightly. - Beat the Egg Whites:
While the honey and sugar are cooling, beat 3 egg whites with a pinch of salt for 5 minutes until stiff peaks form. - Incorporate the Egg Whites:
Slowly add the beaten egg whites to the honey-sugar mixture while continuously stirring until well incorporated. - Return to Heat:
Cook the mixture over low heat for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes chewy. Add vanillin if desired. - Toast the Nuts:
In a dry pan, toast the pistachios, almonds, peanuts, and hazelnuts for a couple of minutes. - Add Nuts to Nougat:
Mix the toasted nuts into the nougat mixture, stirring until well combined. - Prepare the Pan:
Line a 30×26 cm (12×10 inch) baking pan with parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap. Wet gloves with a little oil and use them to press the nougat into the prepared pan evenly. - Cool:
Cover the nougat with parchment paper and plastic wrap, and leave it at room temperature for 5 hours to cool and set. - Cut:
Once set, wet a knife with a little oil and slice the nougat into pieces. - Serve:
Enjoy your homemade nougat! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve nougat as a dessert or gift during holidays.
- Enjoy with tea or coffee for a sweet treat.
- Wrap pieces in wax paper for a homemade candy feel.
Cooking Tips:
- Keep the heat low while cooking the honey and sugar to prevent burning.
- Use a thermometer if possible to ensure the mixture reaches a chewy consistency (about 120°C/248°F).
- Wet your gloves and knife with oil to prevent the nougat from sticking while handling.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Nuts provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Honey is a natural sweetener that adds a rich, complex flavor to the nougat.
- Egg whites add lightness and help bind the mixture without adding many calories.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free
- Contains nuts and eggs
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: You can freeze nougat for up to 3 months, wrapped in plastic and stored in a sealed container.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The combination of honey and nuts makes for a decadent treat.
- It’s a great homemade gift for special occasions.
- The chewy texture and crunchy nuts offer a perfect balance.
- It’s customizable with different types of nuts or flavorings!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite nuts or even dried fruits in place of some of the nuts. - What’s the purpose of beating the egg whites?
Beating the egg whites adds air to the mixture, making the nougat lighter and chewier. - Can I reduce the sugar?
The sugar is necessary for the structure, but you can experiment with slightly reducing it or using a sugar substitute. - Is it necessary to toast the nuts?
Toasting the nuts brings out their flavor, but you can skip this step if you prefer. - Can I make this nougat without honey?
Honey is essential to the texture and flavor of this nougat, so it’s not recommended to omit or substitute it. - How do I know when the nougat is done cooking?
A good test is to drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball. - Can I add chocolate?
Yes! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the top or mix in chocolate chips. - How should I store leftover nougat?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. - Can I make this without egg whites?
Egg whites are crucial for the texture, but you could try using a vegan egg substitute if needed. - Why do I need to use oil on my gloves and knife?
The nougat is very sticky, so oiling your gloves and knife makes it easier to handle and cut.