Figs in Syrup

Figs in Syrup Recipe - Arabian Delight

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Figs in syrup is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh figs with a flavorful syrup made from lemon, sugar, and honey. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a light and refreshing treat on a hot summer day.

History

Figs in syrup is a traditional Mediterranean dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. Figs have long been prized for their sweet and juicy flavor, and combining them with a simple syrup enhances their natural taste. This recipe is a classic way to enjoy figs at their peak ripeness.

Ingredients

0.5 lemon
water
0.25 cup sugar
2 tbsp honey
1 whole clove
18 walnut halves
18 fresh figs or one 17 oz (482 g) jar whole figs, drained
0.5 cup plain yogurt
0.25 tsp vanilla
Chopped walnuts

How to prepare

1) Use a vegetable peeler to cut a thin strip of peel about 2 inches long from the lemon. Set it aside.
2) Squeeze the juice from the lemon and add enough water to make 0.5 cup of liquid.
3) In a small saucepan, combine the lemon peel strip, lemon juice mixture, sugar, honey, and clove. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cook and stir until the syrup thickens and becomes bubbly. Remove it from the heat and discard the clove and lemon peel. Let it cool slightly.
4) Insert one walnut half into each fig. Place the stuffed figs in individual dessert dishes. Stir together the cooled syrup, yogurt, and vanilla.
5) Spoon the yogurt mixture over the figs. Cover and chill until serving time.
6) Sprinkle each serving with chopped walnuts. This recipe makes 6 servings.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup for a warm and spicy flavor.
Top with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh, ripe figs for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the sweetness of the syrup to your taste by adding more or less sugar and honey.

- You can customize this recipe by adding other nuts or spices to the syrup for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve figs in syrup chilled as a light and refreshing dessert after a meal. Pair with a glass of dessert wine for a special treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the syrup until it thickens and becomes bubbly to ensure a rich and flavorful sauce.

- Chilling the dessert before serving allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious final dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use dried figs instead of fresh figs, but be sure to rehydrate them before stuffing with walnuts.

- Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the figs in syrup ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just add the chopped walnuts right before serving for a fresh crunch.

Presentation Ideas

Serve figs in syrup in individual dessert dishes for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Figs in syrup pairs well with a variety of dessert wines, such as Moscato or Port. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a cup of herbal tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover figs in syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of figs in syrup contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of figs in syrup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of figs in syrup contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of figs in syrup contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Figs are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin K, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and dairy (yogurt), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Figs in syrup is a nutritious dessert option that provides a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Figs in syrup is a delicious and elegant dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh figs. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with different flavors and toppings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this refreshing treat on its own or paired with your favorite dessert wine for a special occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, spending my summers with my Aunt Alice in the countryside. Aunt Alice was a fantastic cook and she had a way of making even the simplest ingredients taste like a gourmet meal.

One hot summer day, Aunt Alice took me to her neighbor's farm to pick fresh figs. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the scent of ripe fruit filled the air. I had never tasted a fresh fig before, and I was eager to try one.

As we picked the figs, Aunt Alice told me about a special recipe she had learned from her own grandmother. It was a recipe for figs in syrup, a sweet and delicious treat that was perfect for serving over ice cream or pound cake.

Once we had picked enough figs, we returned to Aunt Alice's kitchen to start cooking. She showed me how to peel and slice the figs, and then we simmered them in a pot with sugar, water, and a touch of lemon juice. The kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of the figs as they cooked down into a thick, syrupy sauce.

After a few hours of simmering, the figs were tender and the syrup was thick and sticky. Aunt Alice poured the figs and syrup into glass jars and sealed them tightly. She told me that the longer the figs sat in the syrup, the more flavorful they would become.

I couldn't wait to taste the figs in syrup, but Aunt Alice insisted that we let them sit for at least a week before trying them. She said that the flavors needed time to meld together and develop.

The week passed slowly as I eagerly awaited the day when we could finally taste the figs. When the time finally came, Aunt Alice served them over vanilla ice cream for dessert. The figs were soft and sweet, with a hint of tartness from the lemon juice. The syrup was rich and velvety, coating the ice cream in a luscious glaze.

I was hooked from the first bite. The figs in syrup were unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The sweetness of the figs paired perfectly with the tangy syrup, creating a flavor sensation that was out of this world.

From that day on, I was determined to learn how to make figs in syrup on my own. I asked Aunt Alice for the recipe, and she happily shared it with me. Over the years, I have made the recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and it has become a staple at holiday gatherings and special occasions. The figs in syrup are always a hit, and I love seeing the smiles on people's faces as they take their first bite.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, making a fresh batch of figs in syrup, I can't help but think back to that summer day with Aunt Alice. I am grateful for her guidance and for passing down this wonderful recipe to me. It has brought me so much joy over the years, and I know it will continue to do so for many more to come. The memory of discovering this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart.