Almond Candy -Turrón A Sweet Remnant of the Arabs in Spain

posted on: Jul 23, 2024

By: Habeeb Salloum/Arab America Contributing Writer

Turrón, a long-standing traditional sweet found in all parts of Spain (and Sicily), is a candy of Arab origin.  It has been suggested that turrón’s origin began when the Arabs sought out a good, nutritious food that could be preserved in good condition for their armies on their long treks throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

In fact, turron can trace its origin to the Arab nāṭif, a form of nougat made with a mixture of egg whites, honey and sugar, all whisked together until white with a texture like soft toffee

2 cups blanched almonds, toasted

1 cup honey

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup pulverized blanched almonds

1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Place the almonds, honey, sugar, and butter in a saucepan, then, stirring constantly, bring to a boil.
2. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, then test if ready by dropping a drop of the mixture in cold water to see if the candy hardens. If it does not harden cook further and re-test.
3. When the candy is ready, stir in the pulverized almonds and vanilla, then spread to 1/2-inch thickness in a buttered pan.
4. Allow to stand for 30 minutes or until the candy semi-hardens, then cut into 1-inch squares.