Description
This traditional Italian Torrone recipe is a soft, chewy white nougat made with honey, sugar, egg whites, and toasted nuts. Perfectly sweet and nutty, Torrone is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as a dessert or snack. The recipe guides you through toasting nuts, preparing honey and sugar syrups, whipping egg whites, and combining all ingredients to create a classic festive confection.
Ingredients
Scale
Nougat Base
- 1 cup (340g) honey
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or citrus zest
Nuts
- 1 cup (100g) toasted almonds
- 1 cup (100g) toasted pistachios or mixed nuts
Instructions
- Toast the Nuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds or mixed nuts evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove and let them cool.
- Cook the Honey: Pour the honey into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 250°F (120°C) using a candy thermometer.
- Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In another saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat the mixture to 300°F (150°C), ensuring the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup reaches the hard crack stage.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly drizzle the hot honey into the egg whites while continuing to beat, which will help to cook and stabilize the mixture.
- Mix: Gradually add the hot sugar syrup to the whipped egg whites and honey mixture while beating continuously. Once combined, gently fold in the toasted nuts and the vanilla extract or citrus zest until evenly distributed.
- Shape: Line a dish or loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour the nougat mixture into the dish and press it down evenly using a spatula or your hands covered with parchment to compact it well.
- Set: Allow the Torrone to rest at room temperature for 4 hours, letting it set completely and firm up.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, remove the Torrone from the dish, peel off the parchment, and cut it into 12 pieces using a sharp knife. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use a mix of nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts for a richer flavor and varied texture.
- Adding a touch of cocoa powder or cinnamon can create a unique flavor twist if desired.
- Store Torrone in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.
- Make sure to use a reliable candy thermometer to monitor syrup temperatures for best texture results.
- Ensure egg whites are whipped to soft peaks before adding hot syrups for proper aeration and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
