nougat balls

Here’s a simple recipe to make delicious nougat balls at home!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 egg whites (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup roasted nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios work well)
• 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for coating)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Lightly chop the nuts and dried fruits into small pieces if necessary.
   • Set aside the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl for dusting the balls.

2. Cook the Sugar Syrup:

   • In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
   • Bring it to a boil, and allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the syrup thickens slightly. You want it to reach about 240°F (115°C), or the soft-ball stage. If you don’t have a thermometer, just keep an eye on the syrup’s consistency as it thickens.

3. Whisk the Egg Whites:

   • While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This means the egg whites should hold their shape when you lift the beaters out.

4. Combine Syrup and Egg Whites:

   • Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the beaten egg whites in a steady stream while continuously whisking. Be careful not to pour it directly onto the whisk to avoid cooking the egg whites.
   • Continue to beat the mixture until it’s thick, glossy, and slightly cooled.

5. Add Nuts and Fruits:

   • Gently fold in the chopped nuts, dried fruits, and vanilla extract into the nougat mixture.

6. Shape the Nougat Balls:

   • Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent the nougat from sticking.
   • Take small portions of the nougat mixture and roll them into balls (about 1-inch size).

7. Optional: Coat with Chocolate:

   • If you want chocolate-coated nougat balls, melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
   • Dip the nougat balls into the melted chocolate and allow the excess to drip off. Place them on parchment paper to set.

8. Let them Set:

   • Let the chocolate-covered nougat balls cool and harden at room temperature. If you’re not using chocolate, simply dust the balls with powdered sugar for a lighter touch.

Tips:

• You can also roll the balls in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts instead of powdered sugar for added flavor.
• Store the nougat balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Enjoy your homemade nougat balls!