Praline paste is a sweet little marvel made with caramelized hazelnuts and almonds, perfect for adding a rich and deliciously crunchy flavor to your Ninja Creami ice creams. Whether you incorporate it directly into an ice cream base or use it as a topping, praline paste always makes a statement! And the good news is, it's easy to make at home.
Ingredients :
- 150g of whole hazelnuts (unsalted)
- 150g of whole almonds (unsalted)
- 200 g of sugar
- 50 ml of water
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of neutral oil (optional, to adjust the texture)
Preparation :
- Prepare the hazelnuts and almonds.
Start by roasting the hazelnuts and almonds in the oven for about 10 minutes at 150°C (300°F). This step is important as it will intensify the flavors. Let them cool slightly, then rub them between your hands to remove the skins from the hazelnuts (no need to be too meticulous, but removing a good portion of the skins will result in a smoother paste). - Make the caramel.
In a saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat until the mixture turns golden and forms a caramel. Be careful not to burn it; it should remain amber! - Coat the dried fruit.
Once your caramel is ready, immediately add the roasted hazelnuts and almonds to the pan and mix quickly to coat the dried fruit well with caramel. - Let it cool.
Spread everything on a sheet of parchment paper and let it cool completely. The caramel will harden and form a sort of block of caramelized hazelnuts and almonds. - Intensive blending:
Break the block into pieces and put them in a blender. Start blending; it will first form a powder (the famous praline), then, as you continue blending, the oil from the nuts will be released and the mixture will become creamier. If you want a very smooth paste, blend for a few more minutes. If the paste seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of neutral oil to loosen it. - Store your praline paste
. Pour the praline paste into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks (but I bet it will be devoured long before then!).
Ninja Creami Tip:
Praline paste is ideal for creating a smooth praline ice cream with your Ninja Creami. You can also swirl it into vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an ultra-indulgent marbled effect. For chocolate-hazelnut fans, it's perfect as a topping on hazelnut or even coffee ice cream. Just a small spoonful of praline paste, and your dessert goes to the next level!
And there you have it, your homemade praline paste is ready! Easy, right? Whether you incorporate it directly into your ice cream or use it as a topping, this paste brings incomparable richness to all your Ninja Creami frozen creations.
Ready to get started? Let me know which delicious combinations you've tried!
