Traditional Spanish Turron Recipe: A Step-by-step Guide

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups of honey
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups of mixed, unsalted nuts - such as almonds, hazelnuts, and pine nuts
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 2 sheets of edible rice paper

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Spread the mixed nuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Once done, remove them from the oven and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) on a candy thermometer. This is known as the "hard crack" stage.
  4. While the honey mixture is cooking, beat the eggs in a separate bowl until they are fluffy. Stir in the lemon zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  5. Once the honey mixture has reached the hard crack stage, slowly pour it into the beaten eggs, stirring constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. Keep stirring until everything is well combined.
  6. Add the toasted nuts to the honey and egg mixture, stirring until the nuts are evenly distributed.
  7. Line a baking pan with one sheet of edible rice paper. Pour the nut and honey mixture over the rice paper, spreading it out evenly. Place the second sheet of rice paper on top and press down gently to seal.
  8. Let the mixture cool completely. Once it's cooled, cut the turron into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Instead of mixed nuts, you can use a single type of nut such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios.
  • Add dried fruits like raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots to the nut mixture for added sweetness.
  • For a twist, you can incorporate spices like cardamom, ginger, or cloves in addition to or instead of cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Experiment with different flavors by adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the honey mixture.
  • If you prefer a softer texture, you can reduce the cooking time of the honey mixture to achieve a chewier turron.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the rice paper with parchment paper or use a gluten-free edible wrap.
  • To make it vegan, replace the eggs with a suitable egg substitute, such as flax eggs or applesauce.
  • You can also add a layer of chocolate ganache or melted chocolate on top of the turron for a decadent twist.
  • For an extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed toasted nuts on top of the turron before it sets.
  • If you want to add a touch of citrus flavor, you can replace the lemon zest with orange zest.

Recipe overview

Turron is a traditional Spanish nougat that is especially popular during the holiday season. This recipe uses a delightful mix of toasted nuts, honey, and spices, all encased in edible rice paper. The process involves cooking a mixture of honey and sugar to the "hard crack" stage, then combining this with beaten eggs and the toasted nuts. The result is a sweet, nutty treat with a unique texture that's both crunchy and chewy. Making turron may seem like a task, but it's actually straightforward and worth the effort. The end product is a deliciously sweet and nutty treat that's perfect for sharing or gifting. Enjoy this journey into traditional Spanish cuisine!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of nuts? Absolutely! You can use any combination of mixed, unsalted nuts that you prefer. Almonds, hazelnuts, and pine nuts are commonly used, but feel free to experiment with other varieties.
  2. What is the purpose of toasting the nuts? Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the turron. It's an important step to bring out the best taste in the nuts.
  3. What if I don't have a candy thermometer? If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can check the consistency of the honey mixture by doing a cold water test. Drop a small amount of the mixture into a bowl of cold water. If it hardens and becomes brittle, it has reached the hard crack stage.
  4. Can I make this recipe without eggs? Yes, you can omit the eggs if you prefer. The turron will still turn out delicious, but the texture may be slightly different.
  5. How long does the turron need to cool? It's best to let the turron cool completely before cutting into squares or rectangles. This usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the room temperature.
  6. How long does turron last? Turron can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. However, it's so tasty that it usually gets consumed much sooner!

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - Used for combining ingredients.
  • Saucepan - Used for cooking the honey and sugar mixture.
  • Candy Thermometer - Used to measure the temperature of the honey mixture.
  • Baking Sheet - Used for toasting the nuts.
  • Baking Pan - Used for shaping and cooling the turron.
  • Knife - Used for cutting the turron into squares or rectangles.

Origin stories

Turron hails from Spain, a country rich in culinary history and tradition. Particularly in the regions of Alicante and Jijona, Turron is a cherished treat, especially during the Christmas season. Its history can be traced back to the Moors who ruled over the Iberian Peninsula for several centuries, bringing with them an exquisite array of flavors and cooking techniques. Some believe the word "Turron" derives from the Arabic word "Turun", meaning "nougat", while others insist it comes from the Latin "torrere", meaning "to toast". Regardless of its etymological origins, Turron remains a symbol of Spanish gastronomic identity. It's a confection of honey, sugar, egg whites, and toasted almonds - a sweet testament to a place and time where Arabic, Jewish and Christian cultures intertwined, creating a rich tapestry of tastes and traditions.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.