This Honey and Nut Nougat is a delightful, chewy confection that combines toasted almonds and walnuts with the natural sweetness of honey and sugar. Perfect as a festive treat or a sweet snack, it’s a recipe to savor and share.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Setting Time: 12 hours
- Total Time: 12 hours 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 100 g almonds
- 75 g walnuts
- 125 g sugar
- 125 g honey
- 1 egg white
- Oil, for greasing
- Icing sugar, for sprinkling
Directions
Prepare the Nuts:
- Boil the almonds for 3 minutes to loosen the skins. Drain and peel.
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes until golden. Set aside.
- Toast the walnuts in the same skillet for a few minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
Prepare the Mould:
- Grease a 22×9 cm mould with oil.
- Sprinkle icing sugar evenly to coat the bottom and sides of the mould.
Make the Syrup:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and honey. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Use a spoon to drop a small amount of syrup into cold water. When it forms a soft ball, remove the saucepan from heat.
Incorporate the Egg White:
- Beat the egg white in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add the syrup to the egg white, a little at a time, while stirring continuously.
Cook the Mixture:
- Return the mixture to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens and reaches a stretchy consistency.
Assemble the Nougat:
- Remove the mixture from heat and fold in the toasted almonds and walnuts.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared mould, pressing it down evenly.
Set and Serve:
- Refrigerate the nougat for 12 hours to set.
- Remove from the mould, slice into pieces, and enjoy!
5 Serving Suggestions
- Wrap individual pieces in wax paper for gifting.
- Serve alongside tea or coffee for a delightful pairing.
- Add to a festive dessert platter with other treats.
- Enjoy as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
- Use as a filling for baked goods like cookies or pastries.
Cooking Tips
- Keep the syrup at low to medium heat to avoid burning.
- Stir continuously while cooking the syrup and egg white mixture to prevent sticking.
- Toast nuts carefully to bring out their flavor without burning.
- Refrigerate the nougat in a sealed container to retain freshness.
Nutritional Benefits
- Almonds and Walnuts: Provide healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients.
- Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidants.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice – Makes 10)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients with a luxurious result.
- Perfectly chewy with a delightful crunch from the nuts.
- Makes a beautiful homemade gift or treat.
- Naturally sweetened with honey for a balanced flavor.
Conclusion
This Honey and Nut Nougat is a decadent yet easy-to-make sweet that’s sure to impress. With its chewy texture and nutty crunch, it’s a timeless treat that brings joy to any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other nuts? Yes, pistachios, hazelnuts, or pecans work well.
- How do I store nougat? Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Can I skip the egg white? The egg white is essential for the nougat’s texture, but you can use a plant-based alternative like aquafaba for a vegan version.
- Can I add dried fruits? Yes, chopped dried apricots or cranberries can add extra flavor.
- Is a candy thermometer necessary? No, the soft-ball water test works well.
- Can I make this without honey? You can substitute honey with light corn syrup, but the flavor will differ.
- Why refrigerate for 12 hours? This allows the nougat to firm up and hold its shape.
- What can I do if the nougat sticks to the mould? Use more oil or a parchment paper lining to prevent sticking.
- Can I make a smaller batch? Yes, halve the ingredients and use a smaller mould.
- Can I add chocolate? Yes, drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent treat.