How to Make Delicious Nougat at Home

If you’re a fan of sweet treats, then you probably know about the deliciousness of nougat. With its chewy texture and nutty flavor, this candy is a beloved snack in many parts of the world. But have you ever wondered how to make nougat at home? The process can seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and some patience, you can create a batch of nougat that rivals the best of them.

To get started, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including sugar, honey, glucose syrup, egg whites, and nuts or other flavorings. You’ll also need a candy thermometer and some parchment paper to line your pan. From there, the basic process involves heating your sugar mixture to the correct temperature, beating your egg whites until they form stiff peaks, and then combining the two mixtures to create the final product. While there are some tricks to getting the texture and flavor just right, making nougat at home can be a fun and satisfying project for candy-loving home cooks.

Ingredients

Making nougat is a relatively simple process that requires only a handful of ingredients. The list of ingredients you’ll need is as follows:

1. Egg whites: 2
2. Sugar: 1 and 1/4 cups
3. Honey: 1/2 cup
4. Corn syrup: 1/4 cup
5. Almonds: 1 cup, roughly chopped
6. Pistachios: 1/2 cup, roughly chopped
7. Dried cherries: 1/2 cup, chopped
8. Rice paper: 1 sheet
9. Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
10. Water: 1/4 cup

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nougat

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start making nougat. Follow these simple instructions step-by-step:

Step 1: Prep the pan and ingredients

Begin by greasing and lining a 9×9 square baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the nougat from the pan once it is done. Next, gather all your ingredients and chop your almonds, pistachios, and cherries, setting them aside.

Step 2: Combine sugar, honey and corn syrup

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, and corn syrup. Place the pan over medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Step 3: Temper Egg Whites

Meanwhile, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks in a mixing bowl. The egg whites will need to be beaten until they reach a thick, fluffy consistency.

Step 4: Add vanilla, nuts and cherries into mixed sugar solution

When the sugar mixture has dissolved and reaches 300°F (149°C), take the pot of heat, add vanilla extract, almonds, pistachios and cherries, mix well and set aside for a few seconds.

Step 5: Combine egg whites mixture and mixed sugar solution

Next, reduce the heat on the stove to low and carefully pour the hot sugar mixture into the egg whites while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until you have a smooth and shiny mixture.

Step 6: Pour mix in pan and cover with rice paper

Carefully pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place a sheet of rice paper over the top and press down gently to stick it to the nougat.

Step 7: Let nougat rest and cool down

Leave the nougat to rest for at least 2-3 hours until it has cooled completely. Once cooled, remove the nougat from the pan by lifting it out using the sides of the parchment paper.

Step 8: Cut into bite-size pieces

Using a sharp knife, cut the nougat into bite-sized pieces. If the nougat becomes too hard to cut, let it sit at room temperature for a while to soften.

Step 9: Store in an airtight container

Once you have cut your nougat into pieces, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Do not store in the refrigerator.

Step 10: Enjoy your delicious homemade nougat

Now that your nougat is ready, it’s time to enjoy. Whether you’re making this delicious treat for yourself or as a gift for friends and family, this homemade nougat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients needed for making nougat

When it comes to making nougat at home, having the right ingredients is essential. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your nougat turns out perfectly.

1. Sugar – The first and most important ingredient is sugar. You’ll need a lot of it, as nougat is a sweet candy. You can use either granulated or caster sugar, but be sure to measure it out precisely.

2. Glucose syrup – This is a viscous, clear liquid that helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing and turning into grainy candy. It also provides some sweetness and chewiness to the nougat.

3. Honey – Honey adds a distinct flavor to the nougat, and also helps to keep it soft and pliable. Use a good-quality honey, preferably one with a mild flavor.

4. Egg whites – You’ll need to beat the egg whites until they are stiff and then fold them into the nougat mixture. This adds air to the candy, making it light and chewy.

5. Nuts – Nuts are a traditional addition to nougat, and can include almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts. They add crunch and flavor to the candy.

6. Flavorings – You can add different flavorings to your nougat, such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or even cocoa powder.

7. Salt – A pinch of salt can help to balance the sweetness of the nougat and enhance the other flavors.

8. Edible rice paper or cornstarch – These are used to prevent the nougat from sticking to your hands or your work surface. You can use either one, depending on what you have available.

9. Candy thermometer – This is crucial for making nougat, as it helps you achieve the correct temperature for the syrup. Be sure to have one on hand before you begin.

10. Stand mixer – A stand mixer is a convenient tool for beating the egg whites and mixing the nougat. If you don’t have one, a hand mixer will also work.

Now that you know the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start making nougat!

The Basic Ingredients for Nougat

Nougat is a simple yet elegant candy that has been around for centuries. It’s made from a combination of sugar, honey, nuts, and egg whites. In this section, we’ll cover the basic ingredients for making nougat and what makes them so important.

Sugar

Sugar is the main ingredient in nougat and is responsible for its sweetness. It’s important to use the right type of sugar when making nougat. Granulated sugar or caster sugar is the most commonly used type of sugar in nougat. This type of sugar dissolves easily and helps to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Honey

Honey is another essential ingredient in nougat. It adds a distinct flavor while also acting as a binding agent. Honey helps to keep the nougat together and prevents it from becoming too brittle. It’s important to use high-quality honey when making nougat to ensure a rich and sweet flavor.

Egg Whites

Egg whites are critical to the texture of nougat. They provide structure and help to give nougat its characteristic chewy texture. It’s essential to use fresh egg whites when making nougat to ensure they whip up to the right consistency.

Nuts

Nuts are an essential component of nougat, and they add both flavor and texture to this delicious treat. Almonds are the most commonly used nut in nougat, but hazelnuts and pistachios are also popular choices. It’s important to use roasted nuts when making nougat to ensure they have a rich and savory flavor.

Flavorings

Flavorings such as vanilla extract or almond extract can be added to nougat to enhance its flavor. These flavorings should be added to the sugar and honey mixture before it’s boiled. It’s important to use high-quality flavorings to ensure they add a rich and distinctive flavor to the nougat.

In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at the equipment you’ll need to make nougat.

That’s a wrap for our nougat making adventure!

I hope you enjoyed following along with this recipe and have gained some inspiration to make your own delicious nougat. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process, and don’t worry if it doesn’t turn out perfect on your first try. Practice makes perfect! Thanks for reading and I can’t wait for you to visit again to explore more sweet and savory treats together. Happy cooking!