Dubai Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

• 10 tbsp (140g) melted unsalted butter (for the brownie batter)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for the brownie batter)
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed (for the brownie batter)
• 2 eggs, room temp (for the brownie batter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the brownie batter)
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (56g) unsweetened cocoa powder (for the brownie batter)
• 1 tbsp (13g) vegetable oil (for the brownie batter)
• 1/2 tsp salt (for the brownie batter)
• 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional) (for the brownie batter)
• 1/2 cup (63g) all purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed (don't pack it in) (for the brownie batter)
• 3/4 cup (130g) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (for the brownie batter)
• 2 cups shredded kataifi (for the filling)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting) (for the filling)
• 3/4-1 cup pistachio cream/spread + more for topping (for the filling)
• 1-1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or melting wafers (for the chocolate topping)
• (depends how much chocolate you want on top, i did 1 1/2) (for the chocolate topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease/line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper. (make sure the parchment comes up the sides so that you can lift the brownies out later)
2. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and both sugars until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, then whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes to help create a crackly top.
4. Stir in cocoa powder, salt, and optional espresso powder until fully combined.
5. Mix in oil, then gently fold in the flour until just combined (don't over mix).
6. Fold in chocolate chips/chopped chocolate.
7. Spread into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs/mostly clean (not wet batter).
8. Let the brownies cool completely.
9. To make the filling, melt the butter in a pan over medium-high heat, then add shredded kataifi and toast 8-10 minutes until golden.
10. Transfer to a bowl and fold in pistachio cream/spread until evenly coated.
11. Spread this filling evenly over your cooled brownies.
12. Melt the chocolate and spread it all over the top.
13. Chill for about an hour or until the top is firm.