Hungarian Flourless Hazelnut Cake

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups of roasted hazelnuts
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 4 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Confectioners' sugar for garnish, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine the hazelnuts, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Process until the mixture is finely ground.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Fold the egg whites into the hazelnut mixture until well combined.
5. Spread the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before serving. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired.

Interesting Facts

• Hazelnuts are rich in protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
• This cake is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• The cake is also known as a 'Kakaós Csiga' or 'Chocolate Snail' in Hungarian.