Nougat
Nougat is a confection made from sugar or honey, often combined with whipped egg whites and nuts, and sometimes fruit or other flavourings.
Nougat is a confection made from sugar or honey, often with whipped egg whites and nuts. It can be soft and chewy or hard and brittle, and is used both as a stand-alone sweet and as a filling in candy bars.
What it is and how it’s made
Nougat starts with a base of sugar or honey, cooked and combined with whipped egg whites to create an aerated, sweet foundation. Nuts such as almonds or pistachios are stirred in, and sometimes candied fruit or flavourings are added. The exact recipe determines whether the result is soft or firm.
Texture and variations
Depending on the cooking method, nougat can range from soft and chewy to brittle or hard. Mediterranean countries are the traditional home of nougat, and regional styles have developed across Europe and the Middle East. The colour is usually white or brown, reflecting ingredients and preparation.
Where you’ll see it
Nougat is eaten on its own but is perhaps most familiar as a filling in chocolate bars and other confectionery. In Canada, it appears in imported sweets and domestic candy bars alike, making it a common treat for readers who enjoy a sweet, chewy layer alongside chocolate and nuts.
In short
- Made from sugar or honey, egg whites, and nuts like almonds or pistachios.
- Texture varies from soft and chewy to hard and brittle.
- Originated in Mediterranean countries and appears in many cultural sweets.
- Commonly used as a filling in candy bars and chocolate confections.
Nougat is widely available in Canada in imported confectionery and in chocolate bars sold by major manufacturers, making it familiar to Canadian readers as a candy filling and standalone sweet.
Quick questions
What is nougat made of?
Is nougat soft or hard?
Where did nougat come from?
Sources
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nougatSupports: Basic definition as a confection of nuts or fruit pieces in a sugar paste.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/nougatSupports: Ingredients, texture, and Mediterranean origin.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/nougatSupports: Definition, ingredients, and common uses.
- Food Network — https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-is-nougatSupports: Preparation method, texture variation, and uses in candy bars.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NougatSupports: General overview of ingredients, colour, and common uses.