The Dubai chocolate bar, created by chocolatier Sarah Hamouda in 2022 to satisfy her pregnancy cravings, has become a global sensation. Combining crunchy pastry, sweet chocolate, and rich pistachio butter, it makes an impressive gift, though wrapping it in a pet-proof box is advised to avoid emergency vet bills.
Pistachios are the key ingredient, and their prices have surged by a third since the bar went viral, according to the Financial Times. While not cheap, making your own pistachio cream is better and more economical than buying ready-made versions, which can contain as little as 10% pistachio and are often dyed.
To make the filling, toast pistachios for a nuttier flavour, and consider skinning them for a greener colour. Use a food processor to create a smooth cream or a coarser rubble, depending on preference. Adding roughly chopped salted nuts enhances texture and flavour.
For the pastry, mix pistachio cream into the dough, using about 350g. The combination of crunchy pastry, sweet chocolate, and savoury nut butter is incredibly satisfying, making this bar a guaranteed hit under the Christmas tree.
