Cherry-Pistachio Nougat

Vegetarian
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Cherry-Pistachio Nougat
45 min.
40
64kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade Cherry-Pistachio Nougat, a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free confection combines the luscious flavors of dried cherries and natural unsalted pistachios, creating a unique taste that will impress your family and friends. With just 64 calories per serving, this nougat is an excellent choice for those looking for a guilt-free snack or appetizer.

Ready in only 45 minutes, this nougat is not just easy to make; it's also a fun project for both novice and experienced cooks. The process begins with lightly toasting the pistachios in the oven, enhancing their nutty flavor and adding a golden hue. Then, the magic happens when you whip up a light meringue using egg whites, which becomes the base of this airy treat.

As you combine the beautifully toasted pistachios and vibrant dried cherries into the meringue, you'll create a colorful and delicious nougat that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Once set, it's easy to slice into bite-sized pieces, making it a perfect addition to your antipasti spread, or simply as a delightful snack. Serve it at your next gathering, or enjoy it as a sweet pick-me-up throughout the week. Either way, this Cherry-Pistachio Nougat is sure to become a new favorite!

Ingredients

  • 0.8 cup cherries dried
  • large egg whites room temperature
  • 0.5 cup honey 
  • pinch kosher salt 
  • cup pistachios unsalted
  • 1.3 cups sugar 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • sauce pan
  • baking paper
  • oven
  • knife
  • whisk
  • blender
  • plastic wrap
  • spatula
  • candy thermometer

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly coat bakingpan with nonstick spray. Line with plasticwrap, leaving a 1" overhang on all sides.Set aside.
  2. Spread out pistachios on a rimmedbaking sheet and bake, stirring once, untiljust beginning to turn light golden brown inspots, about 10 minutes.
  3. Let cool. Coarselychop and set aside.
  4. Combine sugar, honey, and 2 tablespoons waterin a small deep heavy saucepan. Stir overmedium heat until sugar dissolves. Attacha candy thermometer to the side of pan.Increase heat and boil until thermometerregisters 252°F, about 3 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, beat egg white and salt in astand mixer fitted with a whisk attachmentuntil soft peaks form.
  6. With mixer running, gradually streamhot syrup into egg whites. Beat untilmeringue is thick, has tripled in volume,and has cooled slightly, 10–12 minutes.
  7. Remove the bowl from the mixer and addcherries and pistachios to meringue;mix nougat with a rubber spatula todistribute evenly.
  8. Place one 8x8" sheet of rice paper (or8x8" sheet of parchment paper sprayedwith nonstick spray) in the prepared pan.
  9. Transfer nougat to pan, spreading in aneven layer. Top with second sheet of ricepaper (or 8x8" sheet of parchment papersprayed with nonstick spray). Using anoffset spatula, press the nougat into an evenlayer.
  10. Let stand at room temperature untilset, about 2 hours.
  11. Using overhang from plastic wrap,lift nougat out of pan and transfer to awork surface; discard plastic. Run a largesharp knife under hot tap water; wipe dry.
  12. Cut nougat crosswise into 4 strips, thencut each strip crosswise into 10 pieces,occasionally reheating knife under hotwater and wiping dry. DO AHEAD: Can bemade 1 week ahead. Store airtight at roomtemperature.

Nutrition Facts

Calories64kcal
Protein5.41%
Fat19.17%
Carbs75.42%

Properties

Glycemic Index
3.06
Glycemic Load
6.47
Inflammation Score
-1
Nutrition Score
0.87913042541755%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:63.79kcal
3.19%
Fat:1.43g
2.2%
Saturated Fat:0.17g
1.08%
Carbohydrates:12.67g
4.22%
Net Carbohydrates:12.13g
4.41%
Sugar:11.55g
12.84%
Cholesterol:0mg
0%
Sodium:3.12mg
0.14%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:0.91g
1.82%
Fiber:0.54g
2.16%
Manganese:0.04mg
2.1%
Copper:0.04mg
2.09%
Vitamin B6:0.04mg
1.77%
Vitamin A:88.65IU
1.77%
Phosphorus:14.72mg
1.47%
Vitamin B1:0.02mg
1.43%
Iron:0.18mg
1.01%
Source:Epicurious