Description
A rich, indulgent Middle Eastern chocolate tart made with a cocoa crust, pistachio-tahini-kataifi filling, and smooth dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or elegant desserts.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1½ cups + 2 tablespoons flour
⅓ cup cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup sugar
½ cup cold butter, cut into cubes
1 egg
1–2 tablespoons ice water, if needed
For the filling:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
180g kataifi, chopped
1¼ cups pistachio paste
¼ cup tahini
For the ganache:
120g dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup heavy cream
To garnish:
Chopped pistachios
Instructions
1. In a food processor, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar. Pulse to mix.
2. Add cold cubed butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add egg and pulse again. If too dry, add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough forms.
4. Form dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Roll chilled dough and place into a 9-inch tart pan. Press into edges and trim excess. Prick the base with a fork.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line crust with parchment paper and pie weights. Blind bake for 15–20 minutes.
7. Remove weights and bake an additional 10–15 minutes. Cool completely.
8. Chop kataifi into short strands. Toast in a pan with 2 tablespoons butter until golden.
9. In a bowl, mix toasted kataifi, pistachio paste, and tahini until well combined.
10. Spread filling into cooled tart shell. Chill for 30 minutes.
11. Heat heavy cream until just boiling. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 1 minute.
12. Stir ganache until smooth. Pour over the chilled filling and spread evenly.
13. Refrigerate the tart for at least 1 hour to set ganache.
14. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top before serving.
Notes
You can make this recipe up to a day in advance for easy serving.
If you don’t have kataifi, substitute with crushed phyllo or skip for a smoother texture.
Always use high-quality dark chocolate for best flavor.
Let the tart sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern