Making Turrón: Spain's Beloved Christmas Treat Made Easy

In Spain, the festive season is synonymous with Turrón, a traditional sweet treat that has become an integral part of Christmas celebrations. Originating from the town of Jijona, located near Alicante, Turrón is commonly referred to as 'white nougat' and is primarily made from almonds.

Unlike the nougat varieties popular in Germany, which often feature hazelnuts and cocoa, Turrón offers a unique flavor profile that is cherished throughout Spain, akin to how gingerbread or speculoos is appreciated in German holiday traditions.

Production and Popularity

The production of Turrón is concentrated in Jijona, where numerous factories specialize in crafting this delightful confection. One prominent brand, El Lobo, is renowned for being among the most expensive Turrón in Spain. During the pre-Christmas season, Jijona becomes a bustling hub, with visitors flocking to the El Lobo factory for tours and to explore a dedicated museum that showcases the history and production process of this festive delicacy. Additionally, the town hosts a Christmas market around December 6, drawing many to stock up on Turrón for the holiday season.

The popularity of Turrón is largely attributed to its exquisite combination of roasted almonds and honey, which gives it its distinctive sweetness. Today, while traditional recipes remain prevalent, modern variations can be found in supermarkets across Spain, featuring ingredients such as hazelnuts, pistachios, dried fruits, caramel, marzipan, and chocolate. However, these contemporary adaptations often diverge significantly from the classic Turrón.

Types of Turrón

In Jijona, visitors can learn about the historical methods of Turrón production as well as observe the modern mechanical processes involved. A key component in the traditional manufacturing of Turrón is the Boixet, a mortar-like machine invented in Jijona that remains in use today. This device combines roasted almonds with a mixture of egg whites, honey, and sugar, resulting in a dense mass that requires several hours of processing.

The outcome of this intricate process is known as Turrón de Jijona, a soft variant that melts in the mouth. Another traditional type is Turrón de Alicante, characterized by its firm texture and white color, made by mixing and cooking honey, sugar, and egg whites before adding the roasted almonds. A third variety, Turrón de yema, is produced using egg yolks instead of egg whites.

A Simple Recipe for Homemade Turrón

The origins of Turrón can be traced back to the 11th century, with references to 'turun' found in ancient texts. By the late 16th century, it had firmly established itself as a Christmas sweet, traditionally sweetened with honey. Historically, the cultivation of almonds was a significant aspect of agriculture in the Costa Blanca region of Spain, although almond orchards are now scarce.

For those unable to purchase authentic Turrón from Spain, it is possible to create a simplified version at home using readily available ingredients. The following recipe offers a straightforward approach to making this festive treat, requiring just almonds, sugar, a lemon, cinnamon, and a high-powered mixer.

Ingredients:

• 150g sugar
• 200g whole, peeled almonds
• Zest of one lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (plus extra for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) and roast the almonds for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool completely.
2. In a mixer, blend the sugar with the lemon zest until it resembles powdered sugar.
3. Grind the cooled almonds until the oils begin to release, achieving a consistency that is not too coarse but not overly sticky.
4. Combine the ground almonds with the powdered sugar and cinnamon, mixing thoroughly.
5. Transfer the mixture into a rectangular container lined with baking paper and sprinkle with additional cinnamon.
6. Cover with baking paper and place a weight on top, allowing it to set for at least six hours to achieve the desired texture.

This homemade Turrón presents a delightful way to enjoy a taste of Spain during the holiday season, embodying the rich culinary tradition that has persisted for centuries.