Praline

What Is Praline?

Praline is a mixture made by grinding roasted hazelnuts, almonds, or pistachios together with caramelized sugar until it reaches a fine paste consistency. It is widely used as a filling ingredient in Belgian and French chocolate-making.

Its name comes from a diplomat (Praslin) said to have invented a sugar-coated nut confection in 17th-century France. Over time, the term expanded to cover both the whole nut confection and the fine paste filling.

Nutritional Value of Praline

100 grams of praline contains about 570 kcal of energy; it carries fat from the nuts and high sugar from the caramelized sugar. Values vary with the nut ratio used and are approximate.

How Should Praline Be Consumed?

Praline is consumed as part of a balanced diet, generally as a chocolate filling, in moderate amounts.

This information is general; praline is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. People with nut allergies should avoid praline.

How to Choose Praline?

A good praline product is one with a distinct roasted-nut smell, a smooth-flowing texture, and a high proportion of real nuts in the ingredient list.

• The ingredient list should show a high proportion of real nuts
• The texture should be smooth-flowing, not gritty-grainy
• The smell should be distinctly roasted nut, not burnt

How to Store Praline?

Praline can be stored for a few months in a closed container in a cool, dark cupboard; it is important to keep it cool since its oil can separate in a warm environment.

Using Praline in the Kitchen

Praline is most often used as a filling in bonbons and chocolates, in cake-dessert decoration, and in ice cream mixtures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are praline and a Nutella-like hazelnut spread the same thing?

Close but not the same; commercial hazelnut-cocoa spreads are generally made by adding cocoa and milk powder to praline. Pure praline consists only of nuts and caramelized sugar.

Can praline be made at home?

Yes; roasted nuts are mixed with caramelized sugar and cooled, then ground in a powerful food processor until a smooth paste consistency is reached.

Is praline found in Turkey?

It can be found in gourmet chocolate shops and stores selling pastry supplies; it is also frequently encountered inside ready-made bonbons.