Introduction
The crispy pistachio chocolate bar, also known as « Chocolate Dubai, » has taken social media by storm, especially on Instagram and TikTok. This fusion dessert combines rich chocolate with a decadent pistachio and kadaif filling, offering an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. The idea of filling a chocolate bar with pistachio cream and crispy kadaif was too brilliant to resist, and I had to try it myself.
The Star Ingredient: Kadaif
Kadaif (or kataifi) is a finely shredded dough used in many Middle Eastern desserts like the famous « knafeh. » However, sourcing kadaif can sometimes be tricky. After some difficulty finding it in local stores, I finally discovered it at a Turkish supermarket.
The Key to Success: Tempering the Chocolate
Though the recipe is relatively simple, one crucial step makes all the difference: tempering the chocolate. Properly tempered chocolate gives the bar a glossy finish and a satisfying crunch. Simply melting chocolate, as seen in many videos, results in a dull, lackluster finish. For this recipe, I used an easy tempering method, but for more consistent results, the Mycryo method is highly recommended.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 170 g of kadaif (kataifi) dough
- 30 g of butter
- 3 tablespoons of pistachio spread
- 1 pinch of fleur de sel (optional)
- 230 g of milk chocolate
Preparation:
- Prepare the Kadaif
Cut the kadaif into small pieces. In a pan, melt the butter over low heat and add the kadaif. Cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes golden and crispy. Let it cool. - Mix with Pistachio Spread
Gradually mix the cooled kadaif with the pistachio spread until you achieve a consistent mixture. Add a pinch of fleur de sel to enhance the flavors. - Tempering the Chocolate
To achieve a shiny and crunchy chocolate bar, temper the chocolate. Follow the Mycryo method for the best results. For a quicker method, melt 150 g of chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until about 75% of the chocolate is melted. Then stir until completely smooth. - Assembling the Bar
Pour a thin layer of tempered chocolate into your bar molds and let it set. Once firm, add the pistachio and kadaif mixture as a filling. Pour another layer of tempered chocolate over the filling to seal the bar. - Final Touch
Let the bars set in the fridge until fully hardened before unmolding.
Variations and Tips
- Air Fryer Option: You can also cook the kadaif in an air fryer. Simply mix it with melted butter and cook at 160°C (320°F) for 15 minutes until crispy.
- Customization: Try experimenting with different spreads, like hazelnut-chocolate spread or even speculoos, for a unique twist.
- No Bar Mold?: If you don’t have a bar mold, you can use a cake mold for a larger version. Adjust the quantities accordingly for a generous filling.
Conclusion
The crispy pistachio chocolate bar, or « Chocolate Dubai, » has become a new favorite, loved by everyone who has tried it. The combination of silky chocolate, crunchy kadaif, and nutty pistachio filling is simply irresistible. Experiment with different types of chocolate, fillings, and shapes for a variety of delicious outcomes.