Nougat
Nougat is a delectable confectionary treat that has been delighting people around the world for centuries. It is a tantalizing combination of soft and chewy, sweet and nutty goodness. Whether you enjoy it as a guilty pleasure or an occasional indulgence, nougat has something to offer everyone.
Nougat is a sweetened paste typically made with egg whites, honey, nuts and sugar. It can also include other ingredients such as dried fruits, chocolate and marshmallows. It has a unique texture, ranging from gooey and soft to crunchy and hard. Depending on the recipe, flavors can be traditional to something more creative and unique.
The origins of nougat are disputed, but some argue that it dates back to ancient Roman times. As its popularity spread through Europe, so too did the variations in recipes and flavors, giving us the modern day versions we enjoy today.
Nougat is enjoyed worldwide and has even become a popular holiday gift. Whether it’s given as a small token of appreciation or as a centerpiece for a festive dessert table, nougat makes a wonderful present.
To create the perfect nougat, start by combining softened butter, sugar, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until all the ingredients have melted together then add in roasted whole almonds and feed them into the mixture. As the mixture thickens, you can add additional ingredients such as dark chocolate chips, dried fruits, and marshmallows. Somtimes the mix will need to stay on the heat for some extra time prior to forming into shapes.
Once the desired texture is reached, nougat can be formed into bars or balls before being set aside to cool. After it has hardened, nougat can be enjoyed on its own or with other confections such as chocolate or ice cream.
Nougat offers an unparalleled sensorial experience, uniting pleasing textures, mouth-watering flavors, and a sweet aroma. If you’re looking for a treat that will satisfy both your taste buds and your soul, look no further than nougat.
Nougat recipes
Amazing Nougat recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Nougat
The origins of Nougat can be traced back to the early 13th century, when it first appeared in a text by the renowned Italian traveller, Marco Polo. According to Polo, Nougat was a foodstuff enjoyed by the Mongols: made from an amalgamation of honey, nuts and egg whites beaten until light and fluffy; their sweet tooths were evidently appeased.
However, it was not only the Mongols who had discovered this delightful treat; it had also gained traction throughout the Arab world, particularly in the regions of Syria and Lebanon, where it was known as 'nut-based pastries'. It is likely that this version of Nougat was far sweeter that Marco Polo's, as it was mainly comprised of honey and added sugar.
It wasn't until the 1500s that Nougat spread further afield, with the French embracing it as one of their signature confectionery staples. In particular, the French developed the now-popular 'Montélimar Nougat'. This variant was named after the region of Montélimar in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and is now renowned for being a classic hard-style nougat, typically comprised of almonds, honey and sugar.
Nevertheless, Nougat has evolved and adapted in many ways throughout its turbulent history. Its renditions have become more creative, with modern recipes including cranberries, white chocolate, macadamia nuts and more. Although we may not know exactly how Nougat originated, its versatility and popularity are proof of its enduring ubiquity.
Types of Nougat
In the world of desserts, few dishes have transcended time like nougat. Originating in the Middle East and then spreading its deliciousness to Europe and beyond, this dish has had a long and storied cultural history. With that said, not all nougats are created equal. In fact, depending on what region you are in, you can find many variations of this sweet treat.
For starters, let's discuss French nougat. This particular variety has been described as having a meringue-like texture combined with a nutty sweetness due to its main ingredients of honey, sugar, egg whites, and pistachios. Some French nougat recipes even include almonds and hazelnuts for an extra punch of flavor. For those who are particularly health conscious, look out for the sugar-free versions of French nougat made with agave syrup.
Moving on, Italian nougat takes its flavor profile to the next level thanks to the next addition of chocolate. This heavenly combination creates a chewy yet creamy texture that is hard to beat. Plus, with its combination of whipped egg whites and sugar, this type of nougat can be considered a real sugar-rush!
When it comes to Spanish nougat, the focus is heavily on almonds. In fact, Spanish nougat is commonly known as "turron," which translates to almond nougat. In addition to almonds, this variety also includes pieces of toasted sweetened egg whites and honey. Together, these ingredients create the unique crispy texture associated with Spanish nougat.
Lastly, we have Argentinian nougat. This type of nougat is unique because it incorporates a flavorsome blend of caramel, peanuts, and coconut. This combination makes for a truly rich and indulgent experience that is sure to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth.
No matter which type of nougat you choose, there is one thing for certain: you are in for a treat. Whether you are a fan of French, Italian, Spanish, or Argentinian nougat, you can always count on them to bring some delightful sweetness to your day. So, go ahead and indulge!