Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe

58

Dubai Strawberry Cup is a visually striking and deliciously satisfying dessert. Born in Dubai’s lively culinary circles, it has captured the hearts of foodies worldwide with its elegant layers and refreshing mix of flavors.

How to make the Dubai Strawberry Cup

The Dubai Strawberry Cup is a delight that consists of layers of juicy strawberries, crunchy pistachio filo, and a drizzle of chocolate. This layered dessert is served in a mason jar, creating a visually appealing and delicious treat.

Ingredients:

For the perfect Dubai Strawberry Cup, you’ll need:

For the Pistachio Filo Layer:

• 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
• 6 sheets of filo pastry
• 1/4 cup melted butter

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• 100g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of strawberries)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For Serving:

• Whole strawberries for garnish
• Additional chopped pistachios
• Mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pistachio Filo Crisps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer the filo sheets, brushing each with melted butter. Sprinkle the finely chopped pistachios between layers.
3. Cut the layered sheets into small squares or strips and arrange them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Allow them to cool.

Chocolate Drizzle Preparation:

1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer; do not boil.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes to melt the chocolate.
3. Stir until smooth. Set aside to cool and thicken slightly.

Strawberry Layer:

1. In a bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This process, known as macerating, will draw out the natural juices of the strawberries, enhancing their flavor.

Assembling the Dubai Strawberry Cup:

1. In a clear mason jar or a glass, begin by layering the pistachio filo crisps at the bottom.
2. Add a layer of the macerated strawberries, including some of their juices.
3. Drizzle some chocolate over the strawberries.
4. Repeat the layering process until the jar is filled, finishing with a drizzle of chocolate and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.

Garnishing:

1. Garnish with a whole strawberry and a mint leaf on top.
2. Let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving.

Tips for Making the Perfect Dubai Strawberry Cup:

• Chocolate Choice: Using high-quality dark chocolate with 70% cocoa will give the dessert a rich and luxurious taste.
• Pistachio Filo Crisps: Watch closely as the filo bakes; it can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone.
• Serving: For an extra touch of elegance, serve chilled; it enhances the layers’ flavors and textures, making every spoonful a delightful experience.

What to serve with

The Dubai Strawberry Cup is a standalone showstopper, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience into a full-fledged gourmet treat.

1. Beverages:

• Champagne or Sparkling Wine: The effervescence of a good bubbly beautifully complements the richness of the chocolate and the tartness of the strawberries in the cup.
• Coffee: Serve a pot of freshly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness of the dessert. A dark roast works particularly well by offering a robust flavor contrast.
• Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, a pot of lightly brewed black tea or a floral herbal tea like chamomile can cleanse the palate and enhance the dessert’s flavors.

2. Light Bites:

• Cheese and Cracker Platter: A platter featuring a selection of cheeses, exceptionally soft or creamy ones like Brie or Camembert, along with some crispy crackers, provides a savory balance to the sweetness of the dessert.
• Fruit Platter: To complement the strawberries in the cup, serve a platter of mixed fruits. Slice kiwi, pineapple, and various berries to introduce various flavors and textures.
• Nut Mix: A bowl of salted or candied nuts can add a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the creamy and soft layers of the dessert.

3. Light Desserts:

• Vanilla or Pistachio Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream on the side can blend perfectly with the Dubai Strawberry Cup, enhancing the dessert’s overall richness and depth.
• Lemon Sorbet: If you prefer something refreshing, a tart lemon sorbet can cut through the sweetness and richness, refreshing the palate.
• Mini Pastries: Tiny pastries like baklava or petite fours can add a delightful touch, mainly if you’re catering to guests at a gathering.

4. Digestifs:

• Port Wine: A small glass of port can be an excellent way to round off the meal. This sweet, fortified wine pairs well with chocolate and fruit desserts.
• Amaretto or Frangelico: These nut-flavored liqueurs complement the nuts used in the dessert and add a warm, comforting finish to your meal.

5. Herbal Touches:

• Mint Infusions: Serving a fresh mint infusion or a mint-flavored drink can give the dessert experience a refreshing edge, particularly after the layered richness of the Dubai Strawberry Cup.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Dubai Strawberry Cup is a dessert that typically showcases luxurious ingredients such as high-quality chocolate, fresh strawberries, perhaps layers of sponge cake or mousse, and often a touch of edible gold or exotic spices.

1. Strawberries:

• Raspberries or Cherries: If strawberries are not available, raspberries or cherries can be used. They offer a similar burst of color and tartness.
• Mango: Use ripe mango slices instead of strawberries for a tropical twist.
• Dried Strawberries or Freeze-Dried: If fresh strawberries aren’t an option, consider using dried or freeze-dried strawberries for a concentrated flavor.

2. Chocolate:

• Cocoa Powder: Mix cocoa powder with a fat like butter or coconut oil to substitute chocolate in mousses or ganache.
• Carob: For those with chocolate allergies, carob is a sweet, chocolate-like alternative.
• Dark Chocolate: If the recipe calls for milk chocolate and you prefer less sweetness, use dark chocolate or vice versa.

3. Sponge Cake:

• Boxed Cake Mix: To save time, substitute homemade sponge cake with a neutral-flavored boxed cake mix, like vanilla or white cake.
• Gluten-Free Flour Mix: To make the sponge cake gluten-free, replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Ladyfingers: If you need a quick alternative for the cake layer, use ladyfingers soaked in a syrup or liqueur of your choice.

4. Whipped Cream or Mousse:

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative and whip the solid part with sugar.
• Vegan Mousse: Use silken tofu blended with melted chocolate for a vegan mousse layer.
• Greek Yogurt: For a healthier or tangier alternative, use Greek yogurt mixed with honey or maple syrup.

5. Liqueur (if used):

• Fruit Juice or Syrup: If you want to avoid alcohol, use fruit juice or a non-alcoholic syrup like grenadine to soak the cake or to flavor the layers.
• Alcohol-Free Extracts: Vanilla or almond extract can provide depth without the alcohol content.

6. Edible Gold (if used):

• Gold-Colored Sugar: While it won’t provide the same luxurious effect, gold-colored sugar can be a fun, sparkly substitute.
• Edible Gold Leaf Alternatives: Gold sprinkles or shimmery edible glitter are good alternatives for decoration.

7. Nuts or Garnishes:

• Substitute Nuts: If the original nut choice is unavailable or allergic, choose another type of nut or omit entirely if allergies are a concern.
• Seed-Based Garnishes: For those with nut allergies, toasted seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower, can add a similar crunch.

Final Thought

When serving the Dubai Strawberry Cup, the focus should remain on the dessert itself, so any accompaniments should not overpower but instead subtly enhance the central treat.