Ah, Portuguese Chocolate Salami—a beloved no-bake dessert that’s as fun to make as it is delicious! Despite the name, there’s no meat involved. The “salami” refers to its shape: a log-like dessert with a dark chocolate “meat” base and white “fat” pieces from biscuits or nuts.
Here’s a thorough guide:
Ingredients (Makes 1 Medium Log)
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200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate
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100 g (½ cup) unsalted butter
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100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs (or 3 if small)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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150 g (5–6 oz) plain tea biscuits or digestive biscuits, roughly broken
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Optional: 50 g chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts)
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Mixture
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Break chocolate into pieces and melt with butter over low heat (double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently).
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Remove from heat, stir in sugar, salt, and vanilla.
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Allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: Add Eggs
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Beat eggs lightly, then stir into the chocolate mixture.
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Tip: Make sure chocolate is not too hot or it will scramble the eggs.
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Stir until fully combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Biscuits and Nuts
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Add broken biscuits and optional nuts to the chocolate mixture.
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Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Shape the “Salami”
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Place a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your counter.
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Transfer the mixture onto the paper and shape into a log, about 2–3 inches thick.
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Wrap tightly, twisting the ends to seal.
Step 5: Chill
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Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
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When firm, unwrap and roll lightly in powdered sugar to mimic the “white fat” of a salami.
Step 6: Serve
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Slice into ½-inch rounds for a beautiful mosaic effect of chocolate and biscuit pieces.
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Can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for a Perfect Portuguese Chocolate Salami
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No-bake perfection: Make sure eggs are fresh and chocolate isn’t too hot.
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Crunchy texture: Roughly break biscuits; too small and they blend in.
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Make it festive: Add a splash of port wine or rum for adult flavor.
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Storage: Keeps in the fridge up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
This dessert is rich, chocolatey, and visually striking, perfect for holidays, parties, or just a treat with coffee.
If you want, I can also give you a “quick microwave version” that’s ready in under 30 minutes but still tastes like the traditional Portuguese chocolate salami.