Dubai Chocolate Brownies
A delightful fusion of rich chocolate and Middle Eastern flavors, these brownies combine fudgy texture with crispy kataifi and creamy tahini and pistachio for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 box chocolate brownie mix (18 to 20 ounces) Use any chocolate brownie mix you prefer.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter Can be substituted with dairy-free alternatives.
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free version.
- ½ cup heavy cream Substitute with dairy-free heavy cream if needed.
For the Toppings
- 10 ounces kataifi, chopped into ½-inch pieces Can substitute with shredded phyllo dough.
- 3 tablespoons tahini Adds nutty depth to the brownies.
- 1½ cups pistachio cream (from two 7-ounce jars, divided) Can be swapped for almond or hazelnut spread.
Cooking Essentials
- 1 can cooking spray For preparing the baking dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 9-inch by 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and parchment.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions and transfer it to your prepared dish.
Baking
- Bake the brownies for 35 to 40 minutes, until a tester comes out with a couple of moist crumbs attached.
Toppings Preparation
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter, then add the chopped kataifi. Cook until it turns a deep golden color, roughly 15 to 18 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the tahini and 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons of pistachio cream into the kataifi mixture and let it cool.
- Heat cream in a small pot until it starts to bubble gently; pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2 minutes before whisking until smooth.
Assembly
- Spread the kataifi mixture over the cooled brownies, then pour the ganache over the top, drizzling with reserved pistachio cream. Swirl gently through the layers and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
- Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper overhang, transfer to a cutting board, and cut into squares.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a pinch of sea salt on top right before serving. A dash of cinnamon or cardamom can provide a lovely warmth. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and pair with Arabic coffee or mint tea.