Save Pin Hojicha Nougat is a unique chewy candy featuring the roasted, earthy flavor of hojicha green tea, whipped egg whites, and crunchy nuts. This Japanese-inspired confectionery is an elegant treat or gift that provides a sophisticated balance of sweetness and deep, roasted tea notes.
Save Pin Creating this confectionery involves whipping egg whites with a hot honey-sugar syrup to achieve a glossy, thick consistency. The addition of vibrant hojicha powder and a blend of roasted nuts makes it a visually striking and flavorful dessert that stands out from traditional candies.
Ingredients
- Nuts: 100 g roasted almonds (roughly chopped), 50 g roasted pistachios (roughly chopped)
- Nougat Base: 120 g honey, 200 g granulated sugar, 80 ml water, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- Egg White Mixture: 2 large egg whites (room temperature), 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- Flavor: 2 tbsp hojicha powder (roasted green tea powder), 1 tsp vanilla extract, 30 g unsalted butter (softened)
- Optional: Edible wafer paper (for lining)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Prepare a 20x20 cm (8x8 in) baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or edible wafer paper.
- Step 2
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast almonds and pistachios for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
- Step 3
- In a saucepan, combine honey, sugar, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Stop stirring, increase heat, and boil until the syrup reaches 140°C (285°F) on a candy thermometer.
- Step 4
- While syrup cooks, beat egg whites with cream of tartar in a stand mixer until soft peaks form.
- Step 5
- When syrup reaches temperature, reduce mixer speed to low and carefully pour the hot syrup in a thin stream into the egg whites. Increase speed to high and beat for 5 minutes until glossy and thick.
- Step 6
- Add hojicha powder and vanilla extract; beat just until combined.
- Step 7
- Fold in softened butter, then gently mix in toasted nuts.
- Step 8
- Quickly spread the nougat mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Top with another sheet of wafer paper if using.
- Step 9
- Let set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Once firm, remove from pan and cut into bite-sized pieces with a sharp, lightly oiled knife.
- Step 10
- Wrap individually in parchment or cellophane to prevent sticking.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a candy thermometer is essential to ensure the syrup reaches exactly 140°C for the correct set. Additionally, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature to achieve the proper volume before the syrup is added.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can customize the nut profile by substituting the almonds or pistachios with cashews or hazelnuts. If edible wafer paper is unavailable, high-quality parchment paper works well to line the pan.
Serviervorschläge
For a complete sensory experience, pair these nougat squares with a steaming cup of hojicha tea or a glass of light Japanese whisky. The roasted flavors in the drink will complement the tea powder in the candy beautifully.
Save Pin Once set and wrapped, these 24 pieces of Hojicha Nougat are ready to enjoy. Each serving contains 95 calories, 4.5 g fat, 12 g carbohydrates, and 1.2 g protein, providing a guilt-free and aromatic indulgence.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes hojicha nougat different from regular nougat?
Hojicha nougat incorporates roasted green tea powder, which adds a distinctive earthy, nutty flavor profile with subtle caramel notes. Unlike traditional nougat varieties, this Japanese-inspired version has a deeper color and more complex taste that pairs exceptionally well with toasted nuts like almonds and pistachios.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in this nougat?
Absolutely. While almonds and pistachios provide a classic combination, you can replace them with cashews, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts based on your preference. Just ensure they're roasted before adding to maintain the same crunchy texture and enhanced flavor profile.
- → How long does homemade hojicha nougat stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this nougat maintains its texture and flavor for up to one week. Individual wrapping in parchment or cellophane helps prevent sticking and preserves freshness, making it ideal for advance preparation or gift-giving.
- → Why is a candy thermometer essential for this preparation?
Reaching exactly 140°C (285°F) is crucial for achieving the proper nougat consistency. This temperature ensures the sugar syrup reaches the firm-ball stage, which creates the characteristic chewy texture while remaining stable enough to hold the whipped egg white structure without becoming too hard or sticky.
- → What's the best way to cut nougat cleanly?
Use a sharp knife lightly coated with oil to prevent sticking. For even cleaner cuts, you can also briefly warm the knife under hot water and dry it before slicing. The nougat should be completely firm at room temperature before cutting, typically after 30 minutes of setting.
- → Is hojicha nougat suitable for special dietary needs?
This confection is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free ingredients, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. It's vegetarian-friendly and contains protein from egg whites and healthy fats from nuts. However, it does contain eggs, dairy, and tree nuts, so it's not appropriate for those with related allergies.