Chocolate salami is a delightful, no-bake dessert that resembles a traditional salami but is made entirely from rich chocolate, crunchy biscuits, nuts, and dried fruits. Popular across various European countries, it’s a fun and festive treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Chocolate salami has roots in Italy and Portugal but is also beloved in countries such as Greece, Turkey, and Russia. This dessert typically makes an appearance during the holidays, especially Christmas and Easter, symbolizing warmth, sharing, and celebration. Its resemblance to salami adds a playful twist, making it a conversation starter at any table.
INGREDIENTS
Dark chocolate: 200g (7 oz), broken into pieces
Butter: 100g (3.5 oz), unsalted
Sugar: 100g (1/2 cup)
Egg yolks: 2 large (optional, can be substituted with condensed milk)
Digestive biscuits or tea biscuits: 200g (about 7 oz), roughly broken into small pieces
Nuts: 100g (3.5 oz), roughly chopped (e.g., walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds)
Cocoa powder: 2 tbsp
Rum or liqueur: 1-2 tbsp (optional, for flavor)
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
Dried fruits: 100g (3.5 oz), chopped (e.g., raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
Icing sugar: For dusting
Optional Additions
Orange zest: For a citrus twist
Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom
White chocolate chips: For added texture and flavor contrast
Tips for Success
Quality chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate for a rich and satisfying taste.
Texture balance: Make sure to break the biscuits into varied sizes, adding contrast between crumbly bits and larger chunks.
Substitute egg yolks: If raw eggs are a concern, substitute with sweetened condensed milk to help bind the ingredients.
Cooling time: Chill the salami for a minimum of 4 hours to ensure it sets properly.
Rolling technique: Roll tightly to get a uniform log shape, wrapping in parchment paper for easy handling.
INSTRUCTIONS
Melt the chocolate and butter: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler), melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broken biscuits, nuts, cocoa powder, and dried fruits.
Mix wet ingredients: Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and optional rum or liqueur. Add to the cooled chocolate mixture, stirring until well combined.
Combine: Pour the chocolate mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, mixing until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
Shape the salami: Place the mixture onto a large sheet of parchment paper. Form it into a log shape, approximately 12 inches (30 cm) long. Roll it tightly in the parchment paper, twisting the ends to seal.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm. For a more authentic salami appearance, roll the log in icing sugar before serving.
Serve: Slice into rounds and enjoy!
Description
The chocolate salami is a perfect combination of rich, velvety chocolate and crunchy bites of biscuits, nuts, and dried fruits. Its visual appeal, mimicking a cured salami, adds to its charm. Every bite delivers a contrast of textures and flavors—smooth, sweet, and slightly bitter chocolate balanced with the crunch of nuts and the chewiness of dried fruit.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 slice)
Calories: 200-250 kcal
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Sugars: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Note: These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Conclusion
Chocolate salami is a creative, no-bake dessert that’s both fun and delicious. Its balance of rich chocolate, crunchy biscuits, and chewy dried fruits makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Plus, its ease of preparation and long shelf life make it perfect for gifting.
Recommendation
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone looking for a quick and easy dessert option, chocolate salami is an excellent choice. It can be customized with your favorite nuts, fruits, and even a hint of liqueur for a personal touch. Serve it with coffee or tea for a delightful pairing.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
For a healthier version, consider using dark chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa, which contains less sugar and more antioxidants. You can also opt for whole-grain biscuits, use less sugar, or add superfood ingredients like chia seeds or flaxseeds. Enjoy this indulgence mindfully, as a little go
es a long way in satisfying your sweet cravings!