Middle Eastern Chocolate Strawberry Bowl

Name: Middle Eastern Chocolate Strawberry Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa); 300g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; A pinch of sea salt; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: International Flavor Recipes

I love combining rich flavors with fresh ingredients, and the Middle Eastern Chocolate Strawberry Bowl brings a delightful balance to my table. With the allure of chocolate paired with the tangy sweetness of strawberries, this dish quickly became a favorite. The addition of spices like cardamom and cinnamon elevates the flavors, giving a unique twist that surprises everyone's palate. It’s the perfect dessert to impress guests or to enjoy a quiet evening at home, and it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-25T19:21:28.103Z

When I first attempted this dessert, I was astounded by how simply the flavors came together. The combination of dark chocolate and fresh strawberries is a classic, but adding Middle Eastern spices like cardamom transformed it into something exotic and memorable. I found that using high-quality chocolate makes a huge difference in taste.

As I refined my technique, I discovered that a light sprinkling of sea salt over the finished dish elevates the chocolate's richness. It’s a small touch, but it really enhances the overall experience and is something I always do now when preparing this bowl.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
Exotic spices that add depth and interest
Quick and easy to prepare, a perfect dessert for any occasion

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of chocolate is crucial in this recipe. Using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content ensures a rich, robust flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the strawberries. Higher cocoa percentages might result in a more bitter chocolate, so be mindful of your preference. For a dairy-free option, you can opt for a high-quality dark chocolate that is labeled dairy-free. Avoid milk chocolate, as its sweetness could overpower the dish, making it less harmonious.

Strawberries should be fresh and ripe for the best flavor. Look for berries that are bright red, plump, and have a slight shine; these are often sweeter. If strawberries are out of season, feel free to use frozen strawberries. Just remember to thaw and pat them dry before using, as excess moisture can dilute the chocolate sauce. The honey adds a natural sweetness; however, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.

Techniques for Perfect Chocolate

Melting chocolate correctly is pivotal to avoid a gritty texture. A double boiler is ideal for evenly melting chocolate without burning. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is just melted and remains glossy. Overheating chocolate can cause it to seize, turning it into an unusable lump. If this happens, you can add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to rescue it, bringing it back to a smooth consistency.

Incorporating spices like cinnamon and cardamom not only enhances the flavor but also adds an aromatic complexity. Start with the suggested measurements, but don’t hesitate to adjust according to your taste. Ground spices can lose potency over time, so ensure they are fresh for the best results. Toasting the spices lightly in a dry pan can further enhance their flavors before adding them to the chocolate, but be careful not to burn them.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful dessert:

Ingredients

200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
300g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
A pinch of sea salt
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

These ingredients combine to create an unforgettable treat!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Middle Eastern Chocolate Strawberry Bowl:

Prepare the Chocolate

Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.

Mix the Spices

In a separate bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir the spice mixture into the melted chocolate until fully incorporated.

Arrange Strawberries

On serving bowls, arrange the sliced strawberries. Drizzle the honey over the strawberries for added sweetness.

Assembly

Spoon the chocolate mixture generously over the strawberries, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with mint leaves if desired, and serve warm for an excellent textural contrast.

Your delicious Middle Eastern Chocolate Strawberry Bowl is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For the best results, use high-quality chocolate and serve this dish immediately after preparation to enjoy the contrast between warm chocolate and cold strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

Consider pairing the Middle Eastern Chocolate Strawberry Bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious contrast. The creaminess of the ice cream balances the intensity of the chocolate while enhancing the fresh fruit flavors. You can also sprinkle some crushed pistachios or almonds on top for added crunch and a complementary taste that resonates with Middle Eastern cuisine.

If you want to elevate this dessert even further, serving it with a side of fresh mint tea could be delightful. The herbaceous notes from the tea will tie in beautifully with the mint leaves used for garnish. You might want to adjust the sweetness of the tea based on your preferences, as the chocolate and strawberries already provide plenty of sweet notes.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dessert can be prepared in advance, making it a hassle-free option for entertaining. After assembling the chocolate and strawberries, consider refrigerating the bowls for up to 4 hours before serving. Just make sure to keep the bowls covered with plastic wrap to prevent the chocolate from hardening. I recommend serving this dish at room temperature, as the chocolate will soften slightly, making it more enjoyable to eat.

If you plan to store leftovers, keep the components separate. Store any remaining chocolate mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It can be gently reheated in the microwave in short bursts as needed. Sliced strawberries should ideally be eaten fresh, but if you have extras, they can be blended into a smoothie or served on yogurt the next day.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can! However, it will alter the flavor and sweetness of the dish.

→ How can I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute the honey with maple syrup and ensure that the chocolate is dairy-free.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

It's best served immediately after preparation, but you can melt the chocolate and slice the strawberries in advance.

→ What other fruits can I use in this recipe?

You can experiment with other fruits like bananas, raspberries, or cherries for varied flavors.