What is gianduja?

Gianduja is a sweet chocolate spread containing hazelnut paste. It originated in Italy, specifically in the Piedmont region, where it is a popular ingredient in traditional desserts such as gelato and pastries.

The name "gianduja" comes from a character in Italian commedia dell'arte, which was a popular form of theater in the 18th century. The character was known for being a lover of sweets, and the chocolate hazelnut spread was named after him.

Gianduja is made by grinding roasted hazelnuts into a smooth paste and mixing it with melted chocolate, sugar, and often milk or cream. The resulting spread is rich and creamy with a nutty flavor from the hazelnuts.

Gianduja is commonly used in various desserts, such as filling for chocolates, topping for crepes or waffles, and flavoring for cakes and pastries. It is also enjoyed on its own, spread on toast or crackers.

The popularity of gianduja has spread beyond Italy, with many chocolate manufacturers around the world producing their own versions of the sweet spread.