15 Easy Italian Nougat Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
Looking for a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than this easy Italian nougat recipe! Nougat is a traditional Italian confection made with honey, egg whites, and nuts. It has a chewy texture and a deliciously sweet flavor that will have you reaching for seconds. This homemade version is simple to make and requires just a few ingredients. So put on your apron and let's get started on making this delectable dessert!
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Salt, Granulated Sugar, Honey, Light Corn
If you're a fan of sweet treats and Italian cuisine, then you have to try making homemade torrone. This traditional Italian nougat is a delicious combination of honey, nuts, and egg whites, all cooked to perfection and formed into a chewy candy. It's a labor of love, but once you try a bite of this homemade torrone, you'll never want to go back to the store-bought version.
2of 20
Torrone Italian Nougat
Main Ingredients: Wafer Paper, Granulated Sugar, Honey, Large Eggs
For those who are new to torrone, it's a confection that has been enjoyed by Italians for centuries. It's often served during the holidays and special occasions, but it's also a popular snack any time of the year. The ingredients may vary from region to region and family to family, but the end result is always a deliciously sweet and nutty treat.
3of 20
Torrone Italian Nougat
Main Ingredients: Caster Sugar, Honey, Egg White, Peeled Almonds
To make homemade torrone, you'll need a few key ingredients: honey, egg whites, and nuts. The most common nuts used in torrone are almonds, but you can also use hazelnuts, pistachios, or a combination of all three. The honey acts as a natural sweetener and also helps to bind the nougat together. It's important to use high-quality honey for the best flavor.
No Italian feast is complete without a plate of meatballs. Whether they're served with pasta or as an appetizer, Italian meatballs are a classic dish that never fails to satisfy. While there are many variations of meatballs, the key to a good Italian meatball is a combination of ground beef and pork, as well as a mixture of herbs and seasonings for maximum flavor.
5of 20
Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
While traditional meatballs are usually small in size, these great big Italian meatballs are a showstopper. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are mixed with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and herbs for a flavorful and tender texture. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce for an authentic Italian meal.
6of 20
Homemade Torrone Italian Nut Nougat
Main Ingredients: Wafer Paper, Honey, White Sugar, Egg Whites, Salt
If you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, try making homemade torrone with a variety of nuts. While almonds are the most common, you can also use hazelnuts, pistachios, or even macadamia nuts for a unique twist on this classic Italian candy. The nuts add a delicious crunch to the chewy nougat, making it a perfect treat for any nut lover.
Italian wedding soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is often served at, you guessed it, Italian weddings. It's made with a flavorful broth, tiny meatballs, and vegetables like spinach and carrots. The name "wedding soup" actually comes from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata," which means "married soup," referring to the perfect marriage of flavors in this delicious dish.
8of 20
Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
If you're following a keto or low-carb diet, you don't have to miss out on Italian flavors. These keto stuffed peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of ground beef, Italian herbs, and cheese, making them a perfect dinner option for anyone looking to cut back on carbs. They're also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, as the peppers are stuffed with a mixture of cauliflower rice and tomatoes.
Braciole, also known as involtini, is a classic Italian dish that consists of thinly sliced beef rolled up with a savory filling and cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. The filling can vary, but it usually includes a combination of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and herbs like parsley and oregano. This dish takes some time to make, but the end result is worth the effort.
10of 20
Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
If you're a fan of traditional meatballs, then you have to try making them from scratch. Homemade Italian meatballs are easy to make and are so much tastier than the store-bought version. They're made with a combination of ground beef and pork, as well as a variety of herbs and spices for maximum flavor. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce for a classic Italian meal.
11of 20
Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
Italian almond paste cookies, also known as amaretti, are a delicious and easy treat to make at home. These cookies are made with almond paste, which gives them a chewy and slightly nutty texture. They're often served during the holidays, but they're also a great cookie to enjoy any time of the year. With just a few ingredients, you can have these tasty cookies ready to enjoy in no time.
Pasta salad is a staple at any summer barbecue or potluck, and this Italian version is a must-try. It's made with a combination of pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, and salami, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. This pasta salad is a great side dish to serve at any gathering, or you can even add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a filling and delicious meal.
13of 20
Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
If you're a fan of creamy pasta dishes, then you have to try this creamy Italian ravioli. It's made with cheese ravioli, bacon, and peas, all tossed in a creamy and flavorful sauce. This dish is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a complete and comforting meal.
This Italian chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It's made with layers of tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, all topped with a generous amount of cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd, as it can easily be doubled or tripled. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover chicken or pasta you may have in your fridge.
15of 20
Torrone: Italian Nougat Candy
Main Ingredients: Honey, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Sugar, Egg Whites, Lemon
Torrone, also known as Italian nougat, is a sweet and chewy candy that is often enjoyed during the holidays. It's made with a mixture of honey, egg whites, and nuts, and is a labor of love to make. While it may seem intimidating, making torrone at home is a fun and rewarding experience that will result in a delicious treat that everyone will love.
If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, this Italian crescent casserole is a must-try. It's made with layers of crescent roll dough, ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all topped with a generous amount of cheese. This dish is a great way to use up any leftovers you may have in your fridge and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
If you're following a keto or low-carb diet, you don't have to give up on your favorite Italian dishes. These keto Italian meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, as well as a variety of herbs and seasonings for maximum flavor. They're also coated in a delicious marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese for a filling and satisfying meal.
These Italian sausage-stuffed mushrooms are a delicious appetizer or side dish that is sure to impress. The mushrooms are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese, and then baked until perfectly tender. These mushrooms are a great addition to any party spread or can even be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner.
19of 20
Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy homemade Italian meatballs, this quick and easy recipe is for you. These meatballs are made with just a few ingredients and can be ready in under 30 minutes. They're perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a classic Italian dish but don't have a lot of time to spare.
20of 20
Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
This sheet pan Italian chicken dinner is a one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It's made with chicken, potatoes, and green beans, all coated in a delicious Italian seasoning and baked until perfectly tender. This dish is easy to make and clean up, making it a great option for a quick and tasty meal any day of the week.
The Key Ingredient: Honey
One of the main ingredients in this Italian nougat recipe is honey. Honey has been used in Italian cooking for centuries and is an essential ingredient in nougat. It not only adds sweetness but also helps to bind the various components of the nougat together. When choosing honey, opt for a high-quality and flavorful variety, such as acacia honey or orange blossom honey. These types of honey will add a distinct flavor to your nougat, making it even more delicious.
Tips for Working with Honey
When incorporating honey into your nougat, it's important to heat it gently. This will help prevent it from crystallizing and becoming grainy. You can do this by placing the honey in a heatproof bowl and placing it over a pot of simmering water. Stir the honey occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. Another tip is to use corn syrup in combination with honey. This will help prevent the nougat from becoming too hard and will give it a softer, chewier texture.
The Secret to a Perfect Nougat: Egg Whites
The other key ingredient in this easy Italian nougat recipe is egg whites. These provide the nougat with its signature light and airy texture. When beaten to stiff peaks, egg whites create a stable foam that helps give the nougat its structure. It's important to beat the egg whites until they are stiff and shiny before folding them into the nougat mixture. This will ensure your nougat has the perfect texture.
Tips for Beating Egg Whites
When separating the egg whites from the yolks, make sure there is no trace of yolk in the whites. Even a small amount of yolk can prevent the whites from reaching stiff peaks. Also, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease. Any residue can also prevent the egg whites from reaching their full potential.
Get Creative with Nuts
While the traditional Italian nougat recipe calls for almonds, you can get creative and use a variety of nuts in your nougat. Some popular options include pistachios, hazelnuts, and walnuts. You can even mix and match different nuts to create your own unique flavor combinations. Just make sure to toast the nuts before adding them to the nougat mixture. This will help bring out their flavor and give them a nice crunch.
Try Different Flavor Additions
In addition to nuts, you can also add other ingredients to your nougat for an extra burst of flavor. Some ideas include dried fruit, candied citrus peel, or chocolate chips. These additions can be folded into the nougat mixture before it sets, or sprinkled on top for a decorative touch.
Now that you have the inside scoop on making easy Italian nougat, it's time to try it out for yourself! Follow this recipe, get creative with your flavor combinations, and enjoy a taste of traditional Italian confectionery. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.