This homemade Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread) tastes even better than the original version by Ferrero. Packed with real hazelnuts and melted chocolate it tastes amazing and is preservative-free.
150gwhole roasted hazelnuts(without shell, see notes)
4tbsphazelnut oil or any neutral oil(60 ml)
1pinchfine sea salt
1tbspicing sugar (US powdered sugar)(or 60 g of Medjool dates pitted)
1tbspunsweetened cocoa powder(15 g)
300gdark or milk chocolate(vegan chocolate for vegans)
Preparation
To melt the chocolate, chop it and place it in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of boiling water, this is known as a double boiler. Be careful not to allow the water or steam to get to the chocolate or the chocolate will seize up. (If you prefer you can melt the chocolate in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time.)
Place the roasted hazelnuts (see recipe notes) into your food processor. (If you have a mini food processor it's ideal.)
Blend the hazelnuts with the pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes until they become a paste and you get a creamy consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times.
Add the oil and icing sugar (or dates if using) and continue blending for another minute, until the mixture is as smooth as possible.
Next, add the cocoa, melted chocolate and blend until smooth.
Pour into a jar, it will be warm and liquidy. Allow to cool and keep in the fridge and use as required.
Notes & Tips
Hazelnuts: If you can't find peeled roasted hazelnuts, place the alternative hazelnuts in a preheat oven to 180C / 350F for 8 minutes. To remove the skins, you can either rub the hazelnut skins off with a clean kitchen cloth or shake the hazelnuts vigorously in a tightly closed container for a minute or so, until most of the skins come off. Don't worry if there is some skin, but the idea is to remove the majority because it can be a bit bitter.Nut butters: If you don't want to fuss around or don't have a decent blender for the nuts you can buy any other nut butter of choice, it tastes really good with peanut butter. Nut butters are now easily found in supermarkets or health food shops.
KEYWORDS chocolate recipes, how to make Nutella, spread, vegan recipes