Chocolate Salami Recipe : A Sweet Treat Inspired by Portugal
This chocolate salami is a fun, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for events, parties, or just as a delightful snack. Inspired by a popular treat in Portugal, it combines crushed cookies, toasted walnuts, and rich chocolate into a delicious no-bake dessert. The result? A dessert that looks like salami but tastes like heaven—perfect for sharing or gifting!
Ingredients for Chocolate Salami
- 2 boxes of Maria cookies (4.9 oz each), crushed into small pieces
- 1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup butter, cut into small pieces
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Crush the Cookies
- Place the Maria cookies in a food processor and pulse until crushed into small pieces, or use a rolling pin to manually crush them. You’re aiming for uneven crumbs for added texture.
2. Toast the Walnuts
- Heat a dry pan over medium heat and toast the chopped walnuts for 3-5 minutes until aromatic. Stir frequently to prevent burning, then set them aside.
3. Melt the Chocolate Mixture
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
4. Combine the Ingredients
- Remove the chocolate mixture from heat and fold in the toasted walnuts and crushed cookies. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Shape the Chocolate Salami
- Spread a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Pour the chocolate mixture onto the wrap. Use the plastic wrap to shape the mixture into a log or sausage-like shape, rolling it tightly. Twist the ends of the wrap to secure the shape.
6. Chill the Salami
- Place the rolled salami in the fridge for 2-3 hours or until it firms up.
7. Finish with Powdered Sugar
- Once chilled, unwrap the chocolate salami and roll it in powdered sugar until evenly coated. This gives the dessert its signature “salami” look.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the chocolate salami into thin rounds and serve. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea and makes a great conversation piece at parties!
Tips for a Healthier Twist
- Nutritional Boost: Swap out regular chocolate chips with dark chocolate for added antioxidants and lower sugar content.
- Low-Carb Option: Use sugar-free cookies and reduce the powdered sugar for a keto-friendly treat.
- Add Fiber: Incorporate chopped dried fruits like apricots or dates for natural sweetness and fiber.
- Heart-Healthy Variation: Replace walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts, which contain healthy fats.
Why This Recipe Fits a Healthy Lifestyle
This chocolate salami can align with a healthy lifestyle when enjoyed in moderation. Dark chocolate offers antioxidants, while walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health. With customization options, this dessert can fit into various dietary plans, including low-carb or plant-based diets.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover chocolate salami in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a holiday gathering, birthday party, or just a weekend treat, this chocolate salami is sure to impress. With its unique look and rich taste, it’s a fun dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
