Description
Traditional Italian Torrone is a soft white nougat candy packed with toasted nuts and sweetened with honey and sugar syrup. This classic recipe combines fluffy whipped egg whites with toasted almonds and pistachios, flavored with vanilla or citrus zest, to create a chewy, nutty confection perfect for festive occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Honey Syrup
- 1 cup (340g) honey
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
Torrone Base
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or citrus zest
Nuts
- 1 cup (100g) toasted almonds
- 1 cup (100g) toasted pistachios or mixed nuts
Instructions
- Toast the Nuts: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread almonds or mixed nuts on a baking sheet and toast them for 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Honey: In a saucepan, heat the honey over medium heat until it reaches 250°F (120°C) on a candy thermometer. Stir gently to prevent burning and keep it warm.
- Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In another saucepan, combine sugar and water, and heat over medium heat until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer, forming a hard ball syrup. Remove from heat once reached.
- Whip Egg Whites: Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. While continuing to beat, slowly pour in the hot honey in a thin stream to cook and stabilize the egg whites, creating a glossy meringue.
- Mix Ingredients: Gradually add the hot sugar syrup into the egg white and honey mixture, folding gently. Then fold in the toasted nuts and vanilla extract or citrus zest to evenly distribute flavors and nuts throughout the nougat base.
- Shape Torrone: Line a rectangular dish with parchment paper. Pour the nougat mixture into the dish and press it down evenly with a spatula or your hands to form a compact block.
- Set and Slice: Allow the torrone to set at room temperature for 4 hours until firm. Once set, remove from the dish, peel off the parchment paper, and cut into approximately 12 small rectangular servings. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Using a mix of nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts adds depth to the flavor and texture.
- For a unique twist, add a pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon to the sugar syrup before mixing.
- Make sure to toast the nuts evenly for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- Store torrone in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its softness.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, let it set longer or refrigerate before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 40g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
