Making my wife Dubai chocolate strawberries

Making my wife Dubai chocolate strawberries is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 8. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Sam Jose on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $46.10 total, $5.76 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 pieces Strawberries (large, washed, dried, stems removed)
  • 200 g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, broken into pieces for melting)
  • 30 g Unsalted Butter (about 2 tbsp, cut into small cubes)
  • 100 g Shredded Phyllo Dough (toasted until golden brown)
  • 150 g Raw Pistachios (shelled, cracked, peeled)
  • 30 ml Tahini (smooth, plain)
  • 1 tbsp Powdered Sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Make Pistachio Paste

    Place the cracked, peeled pistachios in a food processor and blend until a smooth paste forms, adding a drizzle of neutral oil if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Toast Shredded Phyllo

    Heat a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the shredded phyllo dough. Stir constantly for 4‑5 minutes until the crumbs turn golden and fragrant.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Combine Pistachio, Tahini, and Phyllo

    In a mixing bowl, combine the pistachio paste, tahini, and toasted phyllo crumbs. Mix until a uniform, slightly sticky coating is achieved.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Melt Chocolate

    Place the broken chocolate pieces in a small saucepan over a simmering pot of water (double boiler) or melt in 20‑second intervals in the microwave, stirring between intervals, until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Prepare Strawberries

    Pat the washed strawberries completely dry with a kitchen towel; any moisture will cause the chocolate to seize.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Assemble the Layered Strawberries

    Dip each strawberry first into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, then roll it in the pistachio‑tahini‑phyllo mixture, ensuring an even coating. Place the coated strawberries on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Freeze to Set

    Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and let the strawberries chill for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate and coating are firm.

    Time: PT30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
2g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
7g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Tree nuts (pistachios), Dairy (butter, chocolate), Sesame (tahini), Gluten (phyllo)

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Making my wife Dubai chocolate strawberries

Recipe by Sam Jose

A decadent dessert that layers rich melted chocolate, a creamy pistachio‑tahini coating, and toasted phyllo crumbs on fresh strawberries. Inspired by a Dubai‑style trend, this recipe combines homemade pistachio paste with buttery toasted phyllo for a crunchy, nutty finish.

MediumMiddle EasternServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 3m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$46.10
Total cost
$5.76
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Making a smooth pistachio paste
  • Melting chocolate without seizing
  • Coating strawberries evenly before the chocolate sets
  • Freezing long enough for the layers to harden

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot melted chocolate and butter with care to avoid burns
  • Be cautious when processing pistachios; shells can be sharp
  • Use oven mitts when moving hot pans

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberries in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

While chocolate‑covered fruit is not traditional in classic Middle Eastern desserts, Dubai’s cosmopolitan scene has embraced luxurious, Instagram‑ready treats that combine Western chocolate with local nuts like pistachios and tahini, reflecting the city’s blend of global influences and indulgent hospitality.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chocolate covered strawberries in the United Arab Emirates?

A

In the UAE, variations may include drizzling the strawberries with date syrup, sprinkling with rose‑water‑infused pistachios, or using white chocolate instead of dark. Some versions add a thin layer of saffron‑infused cream for extra aroma.

cultural
Q

How is a layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberry traditionally served in Dubai cafés?

A

They are typically presented on a sleek white platter, sometimes perched on a small decorative leaf, and served chilled as a bite‑size dessert alongside Arabic coffee or tea, emphasizing both visual appeal and contrast of textures.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberry associated with in Emirati culture?

A

These elegant treats are popular at weddings, bridal showers, and upscale brunches, symbolizing luxury and celebration; they are also a favorite for festive Instagram posts during holidays like Eid.

cultural
Q

What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberries?

A

They complement rich desserts such as kunafa, baklava, or rose‑water panna cotta, and can be served alongside a small cup of cardamom‑spiced Arabic coffee for a balanced sweet‑spice experience.

cultural
Q

What makes layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberries special or unique in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

The combination of silky dark chocolate, creamy pistachio‑tahini paste, and toasted phyllo crumbs creates a multi‑textured bite that fuses Western chocolate indulgence with quintessential Middle Eastern nut flavors, embodying Dubai’s modern culinary identity.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberries?

A

Common errors include not drying the strawberries fully (causing chocolate to seize), overheating the chocolate, using a pistachio paste that’s too dry, and freezing for insufficient time, which leads to a soft coating that falls off.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use tahini in the pistachio coating instead of plain butter?

A

Tahini adds a subtle sesame richness and helps bind the pistachio paste to the toasted phyllo crumbs without making the coating overly greasy, preserving a light yet nutty texture.

technical
Q

Can I make the layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberries ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can assemble them up to a day in advance and keep them in an airtight container in the freezer. Let them thaw briefly at room temperature (5‑10 minutes) before serving to soften the chocolate slightly.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sam Jose specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sam Jose focuses on creative home‑cooking experiments, often putting a playful twist on trending internet food challenges while providing clear, step‑by‑step tutorials for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Sam Jose's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Sam Jose blends humor and personal storytelling with authentic Middle Eastern flavors, frequently adapting traditional ingredients like pistachios and tahini into modern, visually striking desserts that appeal to a global audience.

channel

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