Nougat With Honey and Pistachios
Nougat With Honey and Pistachios is a luscious and chewy confection combining the natural sweetness of floral honey with the satisfying crunch of roasted pistachios. This homemade treat features a light, airy nougat base created from whipped egg whites and a honey-sugar syrup, enhanced by warm vanilla and presented optionally on edible rice paper. Perfect as a snack, dessert component, or gift, it delivers a balance of creamy sweetness and nutty texture that melts delightfully in your mouth.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (including cooling and setting time)
- Yield: About 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake Candy Making
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup high-quality floral honey
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups shelled and roasted pistachios
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- Edible rice paper sheets (to line the tray and prevent sticking)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure out the honey, sugar, and pistachios. Lightly roast the shelled pistachios in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 8-10 minutes to deepen their flavor, then set them aside to cool. Separate the egg whites from yolks carefully and have your vanilla extract ready.
- Cook the Honey and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the honey and granulated sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Continue to cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 140°C (284°F) using a candy thermometer—this ensures the perfect nougat texture.
- Whip the Egg Whites: While the syrup cooks, beat the room temperature egg whites in a clean, grease-free bowl until stiff peaks form. This airy base contributes lightness to your nougat.
- Combine Syrup and Egg Whites: Slowly and carefully pour the hot honey-sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites in a thin stream while continuously mixing at high speed. This must be done steadily to create a smooth, glossy mixture and prevent the egg whites from cooking unevenly.
- Add Vanilla and Pistachios: Fold in the vanilla extract gently, then incorporate the cooled roasted pistachios until evenly distributed throughout the nougat batter.
- Shape the Nougat: Line a tray or mold with parchment paper or edible rice paper if using. Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared tray, pressing down gently and smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Let It Set: Allow the nougat to cool and harden completely at room temperature for several hours or overnight. Once set, cut into pieces or slices as desired.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor syrup temperature closely for ideal nougat texture.
- Bring egg whites to room temperature before whipping for better volume.
- Roast pistachios lightly to bring out deeper flavors without overpowering the nougat.
- Mix quickly and continuously when combining syrup and egg whites to avoid premature setting.
- Store nougat in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, to keep it soft and prevent sticking for up to two weeks.
- Nougat can be frozen for up to three months if wrapped securely and stored in a freezer-safe container.
- For vegan adaptation, replace egg whites with aquafaba, but texture may vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: nougat,honey nougat,pistachio nougat,homemade nougat,gluten free nougat,chewy candy,honey pistachio sweet