NUGA

Delicious Nougat Recipe - Quick and Tasty Dessert

Nougat is a classic dessert, full of flavor and contrasting textures, combining fluffy egg whites with crunchy nuts. This simple and easy-to-make recipe adds a touch of nostalgia to any festive meal or can be enjoyed as a sweet treat on ordinary days. So, let's get started and discover together how to prepare perfect nougat!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 12 hours
Number of servings: 16

Ingredients:
- 3 egg whites
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 100 g honey
- 150 g nuts (preferably hazelnuts or Romanian walnuts)
- 200 g small wafers (or large wafer sheets, as preferred)
- A pinch of salt (optional)

A few details about the ingredients:
Egg whites are the base of this recipe, and to achieve an airy texture, make sure they contain no trace of yolk. The powdered sugar dissolves quickly, providing sweetness without crystallizing. Honey adds not only sweetness but also a distinct, aromatic flavor. Roasted nuts, rich in protein and healthy fats, provide a crunchy texture and delicious taste.

Preparing Nougat:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. It is important to use fresh, lightly roasted nuts to enhance the flavor. You can use a mix of nuts if you want to add variety.

2. Double boiler: In a heat-resistant bowl, add the egg whites and powdered sugar. Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water, forming a double boiler. This step is essential for achieving a firm foam. Stir constantly with a whisk or mixer until the mixture becomes warm to the touch and the sugar is completely dissolved (about 5-7 minutes).

3. Mixing: Once the egg whites are warm, remove the bowl from the double boiler and use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until they become a stiff and glossy foam (about 5-8 minutes). If desired, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

4. Adding honey: While continuing to mix, gradually add the honey. This will give a very pleasant taste and help stabilize the foam.

5. Nuts: Chop the roasted nuts (do not make them into flour) and fold them into the egg white mixture with a spatula, being careful not to lose the air in the foam.

6. Assembling: Prepare a tray (or mold) lined with plastic wrap. Now, start placing a first layer of wafers at the bottom of the tray. Make sure they are evenly arranged.

7. Cream: Evenly distribute the nougat cream over the wafers, using a spatula to level the surface. Cover with another layer of wafers, pressing gently to secure them.

8. Cooling: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours (ideally, leave it even longer, maybe even overnight).

9. Serving: Once the nougat has set, cut it into squares or diamonds, depending on your preference. It is delicious served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a contrast of textures and flavors.

Useful tips:
- If the nougat is too soft, make sure you whipped the egg whites well and respected the cooling time. Another option would be to add a little gelling agent (for example, gelfix) to the mixture.
- You can vary the recipe by adding coconut flakes or chocolate pieces to the nut mixture. This will bring a different flavor and make the dessert more interesting.
- If you want a less sweet version, reduce the amount of powdered sugar and honey, but keep in mind that the texture may change.

Nutritional benefits:
Nuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants. Additionally, egg whites are low in calories and high in protein, making nougat a healthier choice than many other desserts. Each serving of nougat (about 50 g) has around 150-200 calories, depending on the exact amount of honey and nuts used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of nuts?
Of course! You can experiment with almonds, pistachios, or even pecans. Each type of nut will provide a unique and different flavor.

- Can nougat be frozen?
Yes, nougat can be frozen. Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container.

- How to keep nougat fresh?
Store nougat in an airtight container at room temperature, away from moisture. If stored correctly, it can last for several weeks.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don't hesitate to prepare this delicious nougat recipe and enjoy it with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!