Chocolate salami
May 13, 2010 • Category: Dessert
This is an after-school treat straight from childhood; it is so popular in Beirut that coffee houses offer it now everywhere. I have often wondered about the origin of this chocolate confection and after surfing dozens of French blogs, it appears that it comes from France.
You will keep your chocolate salami in the freezer; when you want a slice or two, pull it out and cut it; keep in the freezer.
After almost a dozen tryouts, I came up with two different recipes: one uses eggs and the other does not. Recipe #1 uses cocoa and is lighter, better suited for a snack; recipe #2 is richer, made with chocolate bars and a lot of nuts, and is most suited for a dessert with a drink or liqueur.
Recipe #1:
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup of honey
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup of cocoa powder, Dutch-processed
- 1 Tablespoon of liqueur, whatever you like, or use a flavoring like vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, diluted in 1/4 cup of cold water
- 3/4 pound of Marie cookies, cut in small squares (plain cookies, like animal crackers)
- a handful of pistachios or almonds or hazelnuts, toasted (no need to toast the pistachios)-optional
METHOD:
- Cut the plain cookies with a knife or a rolling pin. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Place the sugar, honey and unsalted butter in a large pot; stir over low heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved (take out a teaspoon and rub two fingertips on the mixture to make sure it is not grainy). Add the cocoa powder and mix well to blend thoroughly.
- Cool the mixture a bit and when it is lukewarm, start introducing the eggs, one at a time as well as the liqueur, stirring constantly; when the mixture starts steaming, add the cornstarch mixture and stir for a minute till thick; if you notice that it curdles, no need to panic, drop the whole mixture in a blender and process until smooth, 5 to 10 seconds. Done.
- Transfer the chocolate mixture into the bowl with the broken cookies and nuts (if using).
- When the mixture had cooled a bit, spread a large sheet of aluminum foil or plastic wrap on a work surface and spread the mixture on it, shaping it like a fat sausage. Enclose it tightly and place in the freezer for at least 6 hours.
- To serve, cover the entire salami with powdered sugar; tie up with kitchen twine; slice and serve. Keep the remainder in the freezer.
Recipe #2 from Les Assiettes du Chef.
- 220 g chocolate at 90% cocoa (extra bitter)
- 120 g honey (about 5 ounces)
- 90 g unsalted butter (7 Tablespoons or 3 1/2 ounces)
- 120 g granulated sugar (2/3 cup)
- 120 g whipping creme (4 ounces)
- 150 g dry biscuits such as Marie cookies or animal crackers (2 cups)
- 75 g of flour (1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon)
- 75 g almond flour (1/2 cup toasted almonds chopped fine in a coffee grinder)
- 60 g hazelnuts, 60 g pecans (1/2 cup each)
- orange zest (optional, can substitute vanilla or orange oil )
- candied ginger, cut up in small pieces (optional)
METHOD:
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave or in a double-boiler on low heat; if using the microwave, start at 1 minute, adding 15 second increments (so as not to seize the chocolate).
- In a saucepan, place the sugar, honey, butter, and cream. Stir and make sure the sugar is dissolved. Boil the mixture for one minute, stirring constantly, remove from the heat and add almonds, or pecans or hazelnuts or pistachios and the flour and the chocolat.
- Stir over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from the heat and add the LU biscuits. Let cool.
- Place two longs strips of plastic wrap or foil on a work surface. Pour the chocolate salami mixture like a big fat sausage. Wrap tightly and let it sit in the freezer for 6 hours.
- Pull out from the freezer, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar, tie in kitchen twine for fun, slice and serve.
Comments
84 Comments • Comments Feed
Evel@CheapEthnicEatz says:
I am really starting to wish I grew up in Beirut. that is beyond adorable presentation wise! Love the powdered sugar mimicking the salami skin.
On May 13, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Nadji says:
J’en ai fait aussi et c’est très bon.
A bientôt.
On May 13, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Barbara says:
Really unusual, Joumana! I’ve never seen anything like it. Of course, I am going with recipe #2!! What else?
On May 13, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Carol says:
That is such a cool treat! Never heard of chocolate salami, LOL, love the name 🙂 It looks fabulous! I love chocolate so I would be loving this treat! Saving the recipe, thanks!
On May 13, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Sylva says:
My mom used to make this salami/cookie in Beirut. Wow… that was long time ago. Thank you for bringing back good memories.
On May 13, 2010 at 6:01 pm
SYLVIA says:
YUM
This is heavenly beautiful, and amazingly tasty recipe. It is easy to see why cookies like these become childhood favorites. These authentic delicacies had united our taste buds and structured our lives while we were growing up in euphoria. Little that I knew then that this guilty chocolate concoction was good for me. What they found in chocolate are healthy flavonoids which sweeps the toxins out of your body and help with your blood flow, cocoa powder is fantastic it has very little fat, and has all the flavonoids of dark chocolate, Thank you Joumana for taking me back to my youth and school days where we were all a happy camper.
These two recipes are definite keeper.
On May 13, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Lazaro says:
What a cool foodstuff. Never tried that before, but I would love to. Thank you for sharing…I learn something new everyday.
Cheers!
On May 13, 2010 at 6:43 pm
ts, eatingclub says:
WOW, this is COMMON there?! I had chocolate salami once in a restaurant a few years back, and I thought it was the cleverest idea. Thanks for posting this.
On May 13, 2010 at 7:16 pm
elra says:
better then store bought one for sure. You are very talented!
On May 13, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Astra Libris says:
Oh my goodness, this is so clever, tempting, and beautiful! I love how you included both recipe versions – I’m looking forward to trying both of them!
On May 13, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Anita says:
Oh Joumana, that used to be such a treat for my brothers and I to have during our break from studying in the afternoons. I just adore this dessert, it’s really the best! I still make it now and started the tradition with my kids too :).
On May 13, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Conor @ HoldtheBeef says:
I love the idea of keeping it in the freezer for when you want a little treat, but I am not sure how long it would be sitting in there. Thanks!
On May 13, 2010 at 8:28 pm
A Canadian Foodie says:
Isn’t this great stuff? My recipe is a little different than yours. I did a post about it in December – or maybe January, once everything got up for the new site – but made it for hostess gifts this past Christmas. Sliced this, I love it.
Yours looks perfect. Take a look at the sushi mat I rolled mine in to get a more authentic sausage look.
🙂
Valerie
(On the recipes page scroll down to the Sweets and Treats category)
On May 13, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Mary says:
Wow–this looks so great! I have heard of this, but always assumed it was Italian. It’s interesting that it’s so popular in Lebanon–it sounds much better than many of our coffee house treats. And now I have to go make those cheese puffs below. Mmmm!
On May 13, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Margaret says:
O!! I definitely have to try this one. Chocolate salami. Had me going for a minute or two.
but, question. In #3 you say when it starts steaming. Do you put this back on the heat after letting it cool a little?
On May 13, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Joumana says:
No when it starts steaming you add the cornstarch and water (or cream) mixture in the pan and stir until thickened; if it curdles, plop it immediately into a blender and run the blender for one minute, it will smooth it out and make it creamy.
On May 13, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Sarah Galvin (All Our Fingers in the Pie) says:
I have seen this on other blogs and must make it.
On May 13, 2010 at 9:27 pm
SE says:
truly a perfect snack..just in love with those pics ! thnx for sharing !
On May 13, 2010 at 9:52 pm
krissy @ thefoodaddicts.com says:
how cool is that?? i’ve never heard of chocolate salami before, but it’s visually appealing! that’s quite creative to turn something savory into a dessert… totally can fool people!
On May 13, 2010 at 10:34 pm
peter says:
I have also seen Italian and Greek recipes that are similar and with their own names. Petit beurres are the constant, varying nuts and some ingredients for binding seem to be the difference. I wish these were in coffee houses here!
On May 13, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Katerina says:
You reminded me of my childhood. We make it in Greece too. In the 80’s was a big hit. All mamas made it for their children. It looks yummy.
On May 14, 2010 at 12:47 am
citronetvanille says:
Oh la la, ces salamis en chocolat ca me donne envie, j’en avais déja vus mais aucune idée pour les ingredients – Ca m’a l’air vraiment trop bon! en plus pas de cannelle, donc en ce qui me concerne je prend tout de suite!
On May 14, 2010 at 12:48 am
Cherine says:
I love this treat! Your chocolate salami looks fantastic!
On May 14, 2010 at 12:49 am
Marina says:
Délicieux!!! Cela fait longtemps que je n’en ai pas fait….
On May 14, 2010 at 12:51 am
Doria says:
C’est incroyable !!! On dirait du saucisson !
Il va falloir que je le fasse !
Très bon vendredi,
Bisous, Doria
On May 14, 2010 at 12:56 am
Heavenly Housewife says:
This is very similar to a popular but old fashioned treat we have in England called, Chocolate Fridge Cake.
Looks delicious, and I love how the bright green colour of the pistachio pops through.
Have a wonderful weekend.
*kisses* HH
On May 14, 2010 at 12:59 am
Sonia says:
Wor, this look so good.
On May 14, 2010 at 1:48 am
Vanessa says:
The title alone made me feel hungry. I love anything with chocolate and also pistachios. Your photos are always so lovely and thanks for sharing this wonderful idea.
On May 14, 2010 at 1:52 am
MaryMoh says:
Wow…what a name! Looks fabulous and delicious! I’ve bookmarked it. Have to make one day. Thanks for sharing. Love the photos as usual….beautiful!
On May 14, 2010 at 1:55 am
Priya says:
One of my favourite is this chocolate salami, j’ adore ça..
On May 14, 2010 at 1:57 am
Rosa says:
Mmmhhh, it looks delicious and looks beautiful!
Cheers,
Rosa
On May 14, 2010 at 2:12 am
Julie says:
C’est sensé être français tu dis ? J’ai découvert ça en Uruguay mais c’est terrible, tellement ressemblant à du vrai saucisson et tellement bon. Les tiens sont très réussis, j’y croquerais bien dedans! Gros bisous
On May 14, 2010 at 2:43 am
Sophie says:
I also love this lovely delicacy!!
MMMMM,…looks so appetizing too!
On May 14, 2010 at 3:23 am
sophia says:
Wow, it really does look like salami! So cool!!
On May 14, 2010 at 3:54 am
grace says:
way, way, WAY superior to regular ol’ salami. i love the pistachios in there, for color, crunch, and taste!
On May 14, 2010 at 4:45 am
Joanne says:
My parents always have salamis during the holidays…I would love to tell them I was making one and then show up with this! I think they would be seriously pleasant surprised. Chocolate and pistachios are just way better than pork!
On May 14, 2010 at 5:11 am
Karolina says:
I have seen something similar, but in Poland we have a sausage/meat ? called SALCESON, and this is how we call this chocolate one. 🙂
On May 14, 2010 at 6:59 am
rebecca says:
wow love this and what a cool after school snack you lucky thing lol
On May 14, 2010 at 7:05 am
deana says:
I agree… Beirut has gotten such a bad rep in the news… it sounds like a magical place to grow up in!!! This is a wonderful dessert/snack… and new to me!
On May 14, 2010 at 7:23 am
pigpigscorner says:
Wow I’ve never heard of this! I can understand why it’s so popular, looks amazing!
On May 14, 2010 at 7:37 am
Sushma Mallya says:
so tempting , love chocolates & very beautiful too…
On May 14, 2010 at 7:57 am
Azita says:
what an incredible chocolate salami! great combination of flavors!
On May 14, 2010 at 8:00 am
pam says:
Oh my goodness!! I need some of this in my freezer! Now!
On May 14, 2010 at 9:05 am
Suman says:
WOW…beautiful n elegant looking Chocolate salami…never had this sweet dessert before…so tempting…cannot take my eyes of it…lovely pictures….thanks for sharing your recipe…would love to try this soon…tk care.
On May 14, 2010 at 9:24 am
Katie@Cozydelicious says:
Wow!!!! This is wonderful. I am going home to make this tonight – seriously! Looks easy enough and so adorable. I love that you even tie it up to look like a real sausage.
On May 14, 2010 at 9:36 am
anncoo says:
This is the first time I seen chocolate salami! Sounds interesting 😉
On May 14, 2010 at 9:42 am
Mary says:
I have only seen this once before. I was amazed then and I am amazed now. This really looks delicious. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
On May 14, 2010 at 9:58 am
My Carolina Kitchen says:
These are gorgeous. I’m not familiar with Chocolate Salami, but thanks so very much for sharing the recipe.
Sam
On May 14, 2010 at 12:44 pm
fimère says:
il est sublime et gourmand, j’en fais moi aussi mais pas de la même manière
ta version me séduit beaucoup
bonne soirée
On May 14, 2010 at 3:31 pm
tigerfish says:
This may be the only salami I like.
On May 15, 2010 at 2:19 am
TastyTrix says:
I am with tigerfish – at last a salami for me!
On May 15, 2010 at 7:40 am
Mathai says:
I am so glad this is not what I thought it was! chocolate flavored meat would be too strange for my taste 😛 then I realized it was confectionery 😀
On May 15, 2010 at 11:37 am
Soma says:
This is to die for!! My kids will make me do this if they see it 😉
On May 15, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Lydia says:
My kind of salami! I love the green of the pistachios in this. Arrowroot cookies might work well for the “plain” cookies.
On May 15, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Tara@whatwechow says:
I too was baffled by the title and delighted by the post. This is the PERFECT thing for us to keep in our freezer for when we need a “little bite” of sweet after dinner. THANKS!
On May 15, 2010 at 7:49 pm
john@heneedsfood says:
This is very similar to a recipe I have tried before. So delicious!
On May 16, 2010 at 5:21 am
Viviane, Taste-Buds says:
On l’appelle succès ou success chez nous à la maison. C’est toujours intéressant de voir différentes recettes pour ce dessert, ma soeur a une recette très simple que j’ai envie d’essayer. L’ajout des pistaches et de la poudre d’amande est tout simplement génial!
On May 16, 2010 at 5:56 am
andara says:
miam miam ! ca donne envie d’en prendre une rondelle !
On May 16, 2010 at 6:06 am
Lori says:
Oh how delicious! I’ve not seen anything like this before. I’d love to try it for my next party. Maybe on a sweet version of a cheese and salami tray. 🙂
On May 16, 2010 at 10:49 am
cmiranda says:
I’ve never tried or heard of chocolate salami before but looks curiously delicious.
On May 29, 2010 at 11:59 am
Shedletsky says:
Yeah, it’s good, very useful, thanks 🙂
On June 4, 2010 at 6:02 pm
domi says:
Voilà une bien délicate et goûteuse ” cochonnaille “….
On July 25, 2011 at 11:29 am
MK says:
I come from Cyprus and when we were little we ate this a lot. I know make it for my girls and they love it. We call it chocolate log though!! Sounds a bit more appetizing!
On July 29, 2011 at 3:36 am
Taylor Parker says:
That looks TOTALLY amazing! I’v been looking for chocolate salami online for Christmas presents for our friends and family this year. I know that salami itself is a little boring, but come Christmas time I will be seven months pregnant and I really want to just be easy and send out something generic for everyone. But I thought that chocolate might be a cool twist. Are there places where I can buy chocolate salami online ?
On July 11, 2012 at 9:10 am
Joumana says:
@Taylor: I would check into French, Italian or German specialty stores online. Don’t know of any right off the bat, but if you are planning to order a few, why not ask someone to make them (a pastry chef in your neck of the woods?)
On July 11, 2012 at 11:40 am
Astheart says:
It´s incredible, :)! That chocolate salami is very popular int the Czech Republic as well and there are lots of recipes here! But we make as a kind of Christmas biscuits, which is a big tradition in Czech homes.
I make it this way:
Ingredients:
200 g sponge biscuits (those that are meant for very small children, round ones)
250 g unsalted butter (or shortening – the hard one)
cocoa powder unsweetened
dried or candied fruit (like raisins, cranberries, figs, dates and so on)
various kinds of nuts
icing sugar
a chocolate bar or some remaining pieces
ground desiccated coconut
jam (not necessary)
rum
Method:
1 Melt butter (or shortening).
2 On a kitchen board crash sponge biscuits with a rolling pin.
3 Cut nuts(or crash them) and all bigger pieces of fruit.
4 Mix crashed biscuits, fruit, nuts, cocoa, icing sugar, jam (if used), and rum (not necessary, but the taste is better) in a bowl.
5 Pour the butter over and mixing it thoroughly make dough.
6 Then lay a piece of alu-foil on the board and sprinkle it well with desiccated coconut.
7 Put dough on it and form salami (it will be rolled in coconut then.)
8 Wrap it tightly in that piece of foil and put to cold place.
After a day or two, hard pieces in it soften and it´s ready to be cut and served.
On July 30, 2012 at 10:34 am
Joumana says:
@Astheart: Thank you so much for providing the recipe I will try it asap!!
On July 30, 2012 at 11:22 am
Astheart says:
@Joumana: You´re welcome! I forgot about chocolate. You cut or crash it as well and add it. But when you don´t have any, no problem. It´s a very variable recipe. You can add also all broken pieces from other biscuit baking.
Hope, you will like it!
Regards from the very heart of Europe!
On July 30, 2012 at 1:27 pm
Joumana says:
@Astheart: Thanks you so much!
On July 30, 2012 at 1:33 pm
Hazzi says:
Hi Joumana,
Hope you are well? I found the kaak recipe that my grandma used to make from orange juice. Let me know how to email it to you. I wanted to know if by any chance you know how to make those little sweets made by almond flour. The ladies used to make them in a shape of flowers? Think it could be almond mill with rose water and sugar. But I am not 100% sure. Thought you may know.
Regards Howaida
On June 2, 2013 at 5:42 am
Judit says:
Hi, just for you kind info can his dessert is originally coming from Transilvania.
On May 17, 2021 at 6:52 pm
Judit says:
* that this dessert
On May 17, 2021 at 6:53 pm