Dubai Chocolate Recipe
If you’re craving a decadent, textured chocolate treat that feels both luxurious and unique, this Dubai Chocolate Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining crispy, golden kataifi pastry with a rich pistachio and tahini filling, all enveloped in a silky chocolate shell, this dessert offers layers of flavor and crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a delightful journey through classic Middle Eastern ingredients elevated by the smoothest chocolate finish, perfect for impressing your friends or just indulging yourself in something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Dubai Chocolate Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every element—from the flaky kataifi to the luscious pistachio paste—plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color.
- Kataifi pastry (5 ounces): This shredded phyllo dough provides a crispy, delicate crunch when toasted.
- Unsalted butter (2 ounces): Essential for toasting the kataifi evenly while adding a subtle richness.
- Pistachio paste (12 ounces): Brings an intense nutty flavor and creamy texture that’s the heart of the filling.
- Tahini (¾ ounce): Adds a hint of earthiness and depth, perfectly complementing the pistachios.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Dark or milk chocolate (1 pound): Melts into a smooth shell, coating the filling with luscious chocolate goodness.
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Kataifi
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the kataifi pastry, breaking it up as you go. Toast it thoroughly, stirring frequently, for around 10 minutes until you see a gorgeous even golden color and the texture turns delightfully crunchy. This step is essential as it transforms the pastry into a crispy base that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pistachio Filling
In a large bowl, mix together the pistachio paste, tahini, and a pinch of salt until well combined. The tahini adds a subtle richness that deepens the nutty flavor here. Next, fold in the warm toasted kataifi, stirring until everything is evenly blended. This mixture should be luscious and textured, setting the foundation for the Dubai Chocolate Recipe’s signature flavor profile.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Get two large chocolate bar molds ready on a tray. Melt half the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl until smooth and glossy. You can choose dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference, but either way, the silky melted chocolate will make these bars irresistible.
Step 4: Create the Chocolate Shell
To make a gorgeous shell for your chocolate bars, spoon half of the melted chocolate into each mold. Tilt the mold around to coat the sides and bottom as evenly as possible. Then, pour out any excess chocolate, leaving a thin, even coating. If you’re feeling creative, you can drizzle some melted colored chocolate on the bottom before the chocolate sets to add a fun pop of color. Place the molds in the fridge for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate shell to fully set.
Step 5: Fill the Chocolate Shells
Once the shells are firm, melt the remaining chocolate. Take your kataifi-pistachio mixture and gently press it into each chocolate-lined mold, filling them up evenly. This is the heart of the Dubai Chocolate Recipe, where the crunchy and creamy meet under a chocolate coating.
Step 6: Seal and Chill
Spoon the freshly melted chocolate over the top of each filled mold to seal everything inside. Smooth the surface with a spatula and scrape away any rough edges for a clean finish. Return the molds to the fridge and chill for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the chocolate to harden completely.
Step 7: Unmold and Serve
Carefully take the chocolate bars out of the molds. They should release easily once the chocolate has fully hardened. The result is a beautifully layered bar with crisped kataifi, rich pistachio filling, and a perfectly smooth chocolate exterior—truly a jewel of the Dubai Chocolate Recipe repertoire.
How to Serve Dubai Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, sprinkle some crushed pistachios or a light dusting of edible gold dust on top of the bars. These garnishes not only elevate the look but also enhance the nutty flavors inherent in the recipe. A few delicate rose petals can also add an elegant touch if serving at a special event.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of strong Arabic coffee, mint tea, or even a refreshing glass of rose water lemonade. The bright, floral notes and slight bitterness from these drinks balance the richness of the chocolate and pistachio layers delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the chocolate bars into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a decorative platter alongside fresh fruit or dried apricots to complement the Middle Eastern flavors. Alternatively, you can wrap each bar in cellophane tied with a gold ribbon—making them perfect for gifts or party favors that will wow everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to keep the chocolate firm. This will preserve the crispiness of the kataifi and the freshness of the pistachio filling for up to a week.
Freezing
For longer storage, Dubai Chocolate Recipe bars freeze very well. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to two months.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary for this dessert, as it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If the chocolate is too firm when taken from the fridge or freezer, simply allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving to fully enjoy all the textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use regular phyllo dough instead of kataifi?
Kataifi is unique because of its shredded texture, which adds that crispy, delicate crunch essential to the Dubai Chocolate Recipe. Regular phyllo won’t provide the same result, so it’s best to use kataifi for authenticity.
Is it better to use dark or milk chocolate?
Both work wonderfully depending on your preference. Dark chocolate offers a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet pistachio filling, while milk chocolate enhances the dessert’s overall creaminess and sweetness.
Can this recipe be made nut-free?
Since pistachio paste is a key ingredient, it would be challenging to substitute without losing the signature flavor. However, experimenting with seed butters like sunflower seed paste may be possible, but the texture and flavor will differ significantly.
How long does it take for the chocolate shells to set?
Placing the molds in the fridge typically sets the chocolate shells within 10 to 15 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on your fridge’s temperature and the thickness of the chocolate layer.
Can I add flavors to the chocolate?
Absolutely! Adding a few drops of coffee extract, orange zest, or even rosewater to the melted chocolate can add a lovely, unique twist to the Dubai Chocolate Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Dubai Chocolate Recipe is a delightful way to bring a taste of Middle Eastern elegance into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum impact. Whether you’re treating guests or spoiling yourself, these bars combine the best textures and flavors in a way that’s simply unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try making them and sharing this beautiful culinary experience with those you love.
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Dubai Chocolate Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Dubai Chocolate Recipe is a decadent treat combining crispy kataifi pastry with a rich pistachio and tahini filling, all encased in a smooth chocolate shell. This dessert blends Middle Eastern flavors with elegant chocolate craftsmanship, perfect for special occasions or indulgent snacking.
Ingredients
Kataifi Mixture
- 5 ounces kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo), chopped and separated
- 2 ounces unsalted butter
Filling
- 12 ounces pistachio paste
- ¾ ounce tahini (approximately 0.8 oz)
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Shell
- 1 pound dark or milk chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Toast Kataifi: In a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped kataifi pastry, breaking it up as you go. Toast the kataifi thoroughly, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes until it turns evenly golden and crunchy.
- Prepare Pistachio Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the pistachio paste, tahini, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Add the toasted kataifi pastry to the mixture and stir until everything is evenly blended. Set this filling aside.
- Melt Chocolate: Prepare two large chocolate bar molds on a tray. Melt half of the chocolate until smooth using a double boiler or microwave, ensuring it doesn’t overheat to maintain temper.
- Create Chocolate Shell: Optionally, drizzle some melted colored chocolate at the bottom of the molds for decoration. Spoon half of the melted chocolate into each mold, tilt the molds to coat the sides and bottom thoroughly, then pour out any excess to leave a thin, even chocolate shell. Place the molds in the fridge to set the shell, about 10 minutes.
- Fill Chocolate Shells: After the shells have set, melt the remaining half of the chocolate. Fill each chocolate shell with the kataifi-pistachio mixture, pressing it gently and evenly to avoid air pockets.
- Seal and Chill: Spoon the remaining melted chocolate over the filled shells to seal the filling inside. Smooth the surface and scrape away any excess chocolate to maintain a clean finish. Refrigerate the molds again until the chocolate is fully set, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Unmold and Serve: Carefully unmold the chocolate bars once the chocolate has completely hardened. They should release easily from the molds, ready to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Use high-quality pistachio paste for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill the chocolate shells thoroughly to ensure clean unmolding.
- You can substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate depending on your taste preference.
- Kataifi pastry should be fresh or properly thawed if frozen for optimal crispiness.
- For decorative effect, try drizzling colored chocolate or edible gold dust before setting the shells.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
