Description
Crunchy Kataifi Dubai Chocolate Bar Filling is a delightful Middle Eastern-inspired dessert featuring crispy kataifi dough nests filled with rich melted chocolate. This recipe offers a perfect blend of buttery, flaky kataifi dough and smooth chocolate filling, enhanced with an optional sweet syrup drizzle. Ideal for serving warm or at room temperature, it provides a decadent treat perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Kataifi Dough
- 1 package of kataifi dough (shredded phyllo dough, usually available at Middle Eastern or international grocery stores)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
Chocolate Filling
- 4 large chocolate bars (about 4 oz each; dark, milk, or a combination)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Syrup (Optional)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or rosewater (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Kataifi Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently pull apart the kataifi dough, loosening it to separate the strands, and place the dough in a bowl.
- Coat the Dough: Drizzle melted butter over the kataifi dough and toss to coat evenly. For a sweeter dough, mix in 2 tablespoons of sugar and combine well.
- Make the Chocolate Filling: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat until just warm without boiling. Break the chocolate bars into pieces and add them to the warm cream, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Enhance the Chocolate: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and honey if using. Set the chocolate filling aside to cool slightly.
- Form Kataifi Nests: Take small portions of the kataifi dough and shape them into nests or bundles approximately 2 inches in size. Place each nest on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Create Filling Space: Press gently in the center of each kataifi nest to make a shallow cavity for the chocolate filling.
- Fill the Kataifi: Spoon a small amount of the melted chocolate filling into the center of each kataifi bundle carefully.
- Bake Kataifi: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the kataifi dough turns golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Syrup (Optional): While baking, combine water, sugar, and lemon juice or rosewater in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Serve and Enjoy: After baking, allow the kataifi to cool for a few minutes. Optionally drizzle the syrup over the crispy sweets before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra crunch, ensure the kataifi dough is well coated with melted butter before baking.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding or omitting sugar in the dough and syrup according to taste.
- Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate bars to balance richness and sweetness.
- Handle kataifi dough gently to avoid breaking the delicate strands.
- The syrup is optional but adds a lovely moist texture and aromatic flavor.
- Serve freshly baked for best texture; leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
