Spanish Nougat - Christmas Recipes

Spanish nougat is a traditional treat that evokes the very essence of Christmas in Spain . This exquisite treat, made from almonds and honey, has been an integral part of Christmas celebrations in Spanish culture for centuries. However, its popularity has transcended borders and today it is enjoyed all over the world as an irresistible delicacy at any time of the year.

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Spanish Nougat: History and Meaning

The nougat , whose origin dates back to medieval times in Spain, has deep historical and cultural roots. The Moors, descendants of Muslims who lived on the Iberian Peninsula for centuries, are believed to have played a significant role in its introduction to the region. The combination of basic ingredients, such as almonds and honey, reflected the influence of Arab gastronomy. Over time, the nougat became a symbol of celebration and abundance, especially during Christmas and other important holidays.

Varieties of Spanish Nougat

The Spanish nougat has evolved over the years, and today there are several varieties that satisfy everyone's tastes. The two main types of nougat are soft nougat and hard nougat.

Soft Nougat: Known as "Jijona nougat", it is a soft and tender version that melts in your mouth. It is made primarily of ground almonds, honey, and sugar, which gives it a silky texture and a sweet, nutty flavor.

Hard Nougat: Also called " Alicante nougat ", it is firmer and comes in the form of solid tablets. It is made up of whole almonds or large pieces of almonds, mixed with honey and egg white, which gives it a crunchy texture and an irresistible flavor intensity.

In addition to these traditional varieties, there are also modern versions of nougat, such as chocolate nougat, yolk nougat and fruit nougat, which have further expanded the range of flavors available to nougat lovers.

Although the nougat is an emblem of Christmas in Spain, its popularity has transcended the Christmas festivities and is consumed throughout the year. It is commonly found in stores and supermarkets, and is enjoyed as a special treat or as an indulgent palate treat for any occasion. In addition, the nougat has been successfully exported to other countries, which has contributed to its global diffusion and its incorporation into various celebrations and events.

Classic Spanish Nougat Recipe

Preparing your own nougat at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. Here we present a classic recipe for Jijona soft nougat, one of the most popular and beloved varieties in Spain:

Ingredients:

• 250 g of raw and peeled almonds
• 250g of sugar
• 125g honey
• 2 egg whites

Instructions:

1. Toast the almonds: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Stir occasionally to ensure even toasting

2. Prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, mix the sugar and honey. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved and you obtain a syrup with a liquid and transparent consistency.

3. Beat the whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff and foamy.

4. Combine ingredients: Add the toasted almonds to the syrup and stir until well blended. Then, incorporate the beaten egg whites with enveloping movements, so that the mixture acquires a soft and fluffy texture.

5. Mold the nougat: Line a rectangular mold with parchment paper or baking paper. Pour the nougat mixture into the mold and press firmly so that it is very compact and uniform.

6. Let it rest: Cover the mold with aluminum foil or a clean cloth and let it rest for at least 24 hours, so that the nougat acquires its characteristic texture and the flavors settle.

7. Enjoy: After resting, remove the nougat from the mold and cut it into portions to serve and enjoy. You can keep it in an airtight container to enjoy it for several days.