Nougat
Image: Juan Emilio Prades Bel · CC BY 4.0
A soft-chewy or hard-crunchy confection made by combining beaten egg whites, honey or sugar syrup, and roasted nuts. One of the celebration and holiday desserts of Mediterranean cuisine.
What Is Nougat?
Nougat is a confection made by mixing whipped egg white with honey or sugar syrup, enriched with roasted nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios. It has a deep tradition in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in France's Montélimar region and Italy.
It has two main textures: soft-white (Montélimar style) and hard-crunchy (some regional Italian recipes); both are usually sold between edible rice paper.
Nutritional Value of Nougat
100 grams of nougat contain approximately 420 kcal of energy, along with fat from nuts and high sugar. Values vary by nut ratio and are approximate.
How Should Nougat Be Consumed?
Nougat is consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet, as a confectionery-group food.
This information is general; nougat is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Those with nut allergies and egg allergies should avoid nougat.
How to Choose Nougat?
Good nougat is cream-white in color, has a visible nut ratio, and a texture appropriate to its recipe (soft or crunchy). Those that appear overly hardened or damp should not be chosen.
- The color should be cream-white, not darkened
- The nut pieces should be visible and evenly distributed
- The texture should match its recipe, not be damp-sticky
How to Store Nougat?
Nougat can be stored for a few weeks to a few months in its sealed packaging in a dry cupboard; absorbing moisture can spoil its texture.
Using Nougat in the Kitchen
Nougat is most commonly eaten directly as a snack, served during holiday and New Year celebrations, and also chopped for ice cream or cake decoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are nougat and halva the same thing?
No; halva is generally based on sesame paste (tahini) or semolina, while nougat is based on whipped egg white and honey/sugar syrup. Both can contain nuts, but their production methods differ.
Can nougat be made at home?
Yes; honey/sugar syrup is boiled to a certain temperature and slowly added to whipped egg white, then roasted nuts are mixed in and it's poured into a mold to prepare.
Is nougat available in Turkey?
It can be found in gourmet markets and patisserie/confectionery sections, and is more widely sold especially during the New Year season.