Tantalizing, tantalizing- that's what the word 'turrón' does to me! The velvety smooth texture of this delectable Spanish Christmas delicacy is nothing less than a combination of ambrosial, crunchy almonds and heavenly sweet honey. Delicious enough on its own, turrón has become an integral part of the holiday season for many Spaniards.
The origin of turrón dates centuries back and can be found in ancient Arab recipes. It was first introduced to Spain during the Moorish presence, and Spain quickly gained a taste for it. Although the recipe has undergone some variation over time, the classic version consists of sugar, honey, and toasted almonds held together by egg whites. The addition of pine nuts, pistachios, dried fruits, or chocolate gives the turrón even more texture and flavor.
In the past, most turrón was made in homes by women using a hand-cranked device similar to a meat grinder. The raw ingredients were then heated and mixed with the cranked mixture and spread into a thin layer on the grinding stone. A wooden frame was then placed on top, which was removed and replaced by another frame in layers. After being left to cool and set, the turrón was cut into individual pieces. Nowadays, turrón can be bought in many supermarkets and specialty stores, either in bars or small pre-wrapped packages.
No matter how it’s prepared, it is a beloved Spanish treat. Whether hard or soft, its sweet, addictive taste always hits the spot after a hearty holiday feast. And enjoying it with friends and family makes it even more special.
Turrón is definitely one dessert that should not be overlooked this holiday season. It’s a staple that must be included when celebrating in Spain. It may not be a global favorite but maybe, with more people trying it, turrón will soon become an international sensation.
Amazing Turrón recipes sourced from the web.
Turrón, an iconic Spanish sweet confection made with honey, sugar and egg whites, is a beloved traditional Christmas treat. Its origins date back to the late fifteenth century when it was used as a tribute to the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand II of Spain.
The initial recipe came from a royal cook named Pascualillo who began making a sweet almond paste with fresh ingredients, including honey and eggs, as a tribute to the religion and culture of the Spanish court. Although the exact details of his recipe are unknown, many believe the original recipe didn’t contain any sugar but relied entirely on the sweetness of the honey.
Though the original recipe has been modified over the years, a few vital ingredients have stayed the same - marcona almonds, honey, and sugar. The recipe for Turrón also remains deeply rooted in religion, as it is often served as part of religious celebrations.
Today, Turrón is a beloved holiday tradition in Spain, where it is prepared in households throughout the country and eaten with family, friends and loved ones. While the original recipe may have been born out of religious reverence, Turrón has since become a cherished cultural delicacy that many associate with the festive season.
Its legacy has even transcended its home country and spread to other parts of the world, where it is enjoyed by people of all cultures and beliefs. For those who have discovered the wonders of Turrón, it is a delightful reminder of how something as seemingly simple as honey and almonds can be transformed into an evocative, unforgettable culinary experience.
The lusciousness of Turrón is one of the hallmarks of the Spanish cuisine and it is one of the most celebrated sweetmeats of Spain. The viscous, densely textured, and immensely flavorful nature of Turrón provides a delectable treat that every individual should experience at least once in their life. The varieties of Turrón present countless possibilities as to how it can be savored and each type offers an individualized flavor experience.
Soft Turrón is a creamy delight and is perfect for those who enjoy a semi-liquid consistency, as it is the most fluid and liquid-like variety of Turrón. Its light and airy consistency comes from an amalgamated mixture of ground almonds and honey, making it one of the most beloved kinds across Spain. It is often given as presents during holidays or special occasions due to its delightful sugary nature and its exquisite taste.
On the other hand, hard Turrón is a solidified version of the soft variety and is equally abundant throughout Spain. It is created using a combination of ground almonds and sugar, giving it a crunchy and crumbly texture. Additionally, it has a more intense and concentrated sweetness compared to its soft counterpart, allowing it to be enjoyed as a primary dessert in itself.
A newer variation of Turrón is Jijona Turrón – so-called because it is only produced in the town of Jijona in Alicante. This type of Turrón is renowned for its true and pure almond flavor, which is created using a higher proportion of almonds and an uncommon, unique recipe. This peculiar formula gives it a more luxurious and denser texture than traditional hard Turrón, making it popular among those with a more discerning palate.
No matter the type, Turrón is a delectable snack that provides Spanish culture with a true delicacy. The sheer range and diversity of Turrón make it a favorite among many, and this is something that citizens of Spain truly appreciate. From the rich and creamy soft Turrón to the crumbly and crunch hard Turrón, Turrón is a widely enjoyed treat that all should experience.