Nutella

Homemade Nutella – A Homemade Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 1 jar (approximately 300g)

Introduction

Who doesn't love the rich and creamy taste of Nutella? This chocolate hazelnut spread has become a favorite worldwide, being a versatile ingredient that can be used in many desserts or simply enjoyed on a slice of toast. Although many of us grew up with the store-bought version, nothing compares to the pleasure of making Nutella at home, in a natural version, without preservatives.

This simple and quick recipe will help you achieve a delicious hazelnut spread, perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Ingredients

- 150g hazelnuts
- 100g milk chocolate, broken into pieces
- 40g cocoa powder, preferably unsweetened
- 100g cream (ideally cooking cream)
- 50g powdered sugar + 100g, to taste
- a pinch of salt

Ingredient Details

- Hazelnuts: Rich in healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins, hazelnuts are the main ingredient in this recipe. Make sure to choose quality hazelnuts, preferably roasted, for a more intense flavor.

- Milk chocolate: This will give a creamy and sweet taste, but you can also experiment with dark or white chocolate, depending on your preferences.

- Cocoa powder: Adds an extra intensity and chocolate flavor. Unsweetened cocoa is the best choice.

- Cream: Will give creaminess to your spread, but you can also use condensed milk for an even sweeter result.

- Powdered sugar: Preferred for easy dissolving in the mixture, but you can also use honey or maple syrup if you want a more natural sweetener.

Step by Step Preparation

1. Roasting the hazelnuts: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the hazelnuts and roast them for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!

2. Cooling the hazelnuts: Once the hazelnuts are roasted, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for 5 minutes. This step is important to avoid damaging the blender.

3. Removing the skins: After they have cooled, place the hazelnuts in a kitchen towel and rub them gently to remove the skins. This will help achieve a smooth paste.

4. Making the hazelnut paste: Place the hazelnuts in a blender and blend for 5-10 minutes, until you achieve a smooth paste. You may need to stop the blender occasionally to scrape down the sides.

5. Melting the chocolate: Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate in a double boiler. Place the broken chocolate pieces in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of hot water. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted.

6. Mixing the ingredients: Once the chocolate is melted, add the cocoa powder, cream, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until combined.

7. Combining the ingredients: Add the chocolate mixture over the hazelnut paste in the blender. Blend again until everything is well combined.

8. Sweetening the paste: Start by adding 50g of powdered sugar, blending to incorporate. Taste and gradually add the remaining 100g of sugar until you reach the desired sweetness.

9. Packaging: Once the Nutella is ready, transfer the paste to a clean, dry jar. Seal it well and store it in a cool, dry place.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious spread can be enjoyed in countless ways! Here are some ideas:

- On a slice of toasted bread or croissant
- As a filling for pancakes or waffles
- Alongside fresh fruits like bananas or apples
- Used as an ingredient in cakes or cookies

Tips and Variations

- If you like a crunchier texture, keep some whole hazelnuts and add them to the paste at the end.
- You can experiment with different types of chocolate (dark, white, caramel) or add flavors like vanilla or cinnamon for an extra kick.
- For a vegan version, replace the cream with a plant-based alternative and use vegan chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of nuts?: While hazelnuts are traditional, you can try peanuts or almonds. The taste will be different, but just as delicious.

- How long does homemade Nutella last?: If stored in an airtight jar, it can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

- Is this recipe healthy?: Compared to the store-bought version, homemade Nutella contains no preservatives, and you can control the sugar level, making it a healthier option.

Nutritional Benefits

This homemade Nutella recipe has nutritional benefits due to its ingredients. Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins, especially vitamin E. Cocoa is a powerful antioxidant, and cream contributes to calcium intake. Depending on how much sugar you add, you can adjust the caloric value, but overall, it is a healthier option than commercial varieties.

Conclusion

Making Nutella at home is not just a culinary delight, but also a way to enjoy a personalized treat tailored to your tastes. Try this simple and quick recipe and enjoy every spoonful of homemade Nutella! Whether you use it on toast, in desserts, or simply savor it straight from the jar, it will surely become a favorite recipe in your home. Happy cooking!