Ingredients
- Water: 1 cup
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), cut into pieces
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Eggs: 4 large
- Pistachio Paste: 1/4 cup
- Dark Chocolate: 4 ounces, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until butter is melted.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and immediately add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Step 3: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and pipeable. Stir in the pistachio paste.
- Step 4: Transfer the choux pastry to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 12 mounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
- Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Turn off the oven and prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon. Let the choux buns cool in the oven for 30 minutes to prevent them from collapsing.
- Step 6: While the buns are cooling, melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water (double boiler). Once melted and smooth, dip the tops of the cooled choux buns into the chocolate and let set before serving.
Notes
- Store unfilled choux buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- To refresh slightly softened choux buns, briefly reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up.
- For an elegant presentation, dust the chocolate-dipped choux buns with chopped pistachios while the chocolate is still wet.
- Chef's tip: Ensure the dough is cool enough before adding the eggs; otherwise, they might scramble and ruin the pastry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American