Recipe

Greek Almond Nougat Delight

Divine Delights: Greek Almond Nougat

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the sweet and nutty flavors of Greek cuisine with this delightful recipe for Greek Almond Nougat. This traditional treat, known as Mandolato, is a beloved dessert that showcases the richness of almonds and the sweetness of honey.

Dessert› Mandolato

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

40 minutes

Yields

12 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo-friendly, Kosher

Allergens

Almonds, Eggs

Not suitable for

Vegan, Nut-free, Egg-free, Sugar-free, Low-carb

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) whole almonds, roasted 2 cups (240g) whole almonds, roasted
1 cup (240ml) honey 1 cup (240ml) honey
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3 large egg whites 3 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
Edible rice paper (optional), for wrapping Edible rice paper (optional), for wrapping

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 1g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 23g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1.
Line a baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted almonds, honey, sugar, egg whites, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3.
Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture reaches a temperature of 120°C (250°F) on a candy thermometer.
4.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and continue stirring vigorously for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
5.
Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. If desired, place a sheet of edible rice paper on top of the nougat.
6.
Allow the nougat to cool completely at room temperature for several hours or overnight until it becomes firm.
7.
Once set, remove the nougat from the baking dish and cut it into desired shapes, such as bars or bite-sized pieces.
8.
Serve the Greek Almond Nougat as a delightful treat on its own or wrap individual pieces in edible rice paper for an authentic presentation.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Almonds — Make sure to roast the almonds before using them in the recipe to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.

Tips & Tricks

To achieve the perfect texture, make sure to cook the nougat mixture until it reaches the specified temperature.
For variations, you can add chopped dried fruits or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the nougat mixture before setting.
Store the Greek Almond Nougat in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its freshness and chewiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek Almond Nougat as a delightful dessert after a Greek-inspired meal. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of Greek coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, wrap individual pieces of the Greek Almond Nougat in decorative paper or place them in a beautiful box. This makes it a perfect gift for special occasions or celebrations.