Dubai Chocolate Bar (Knafeh with Chocolate)

The "Dubai Chocolate Bar," often featuring a combination of knafeh (kadayif), pistachio, and chocolate, has gained significant popularity. Here's a breakdown of what it typically entails:

Ingredients:

For the Knafeh base:

250g kataifi (or angel hair) dough

100g melted butter

200g desalted akawi cheese (or grated mozzarella)

100g ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)

For the syrup:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon orange blossom water or rose water (optional)

For the chocolate topping:

200g semisweet (or milk) chocolate, chopped

100ml heavy cream

Extras for garnish:

Chopped pistachios

Strands of crunchy dough

Edible petals (optional)

Method:

Prepare the syrup:

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water and lemon juice. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the orange blossom water (if using) and set aside.

Make the base:

Break the kataifi dough with your hands and mix with the melted butter.

In a rectangular or square pan, press half of the dough.

Cover with the cheeses.

Cover with the other half of the kataifi dough.

Bake:

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the chocolate:

Heat the cream and pour over the chopped chocolate. Stir until a smooth ganache forms.

Finish:

As soon as it comes out of the oven, pour the syrup over the hot Knafeh.

Cut into bars, cover with the chocolate ganache and finish with pistachios and other toppings.

Tip:

Serve warm so the cheese is chewy and the chocolate is melted. It's the definition of an indulgent dessert!