Imagine a dessert so elegant and aromatic that it transports you instantly to the sun-drenched kitchens of the Middle East. These poached figs, bathed in a golden, spice-infused honey syrup, are not just a treat—they're a sensory experience that will elevate your culinary repertoire from ordinary to extraordinary. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a dessert that is simultaneously delicate, rich, and utterly irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 fresh figs
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 slice of lemon
Instructions
- Gently wash the fresh figs under cool running water, taking care not to bruise their delicate skin. Pat them dry with a soft kitchen towel.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine honey, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon slice. Stir the ingredients together until the honey is partially dissolved.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the honey is completely incorporated.
- Carefully add the whole figs to the simmering honey syrup, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the figs poach gently for 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and coating with the spiced syrup.
- Check the figs' tenderness by inserting a small knife or fork. They should be soft but not falling apart.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the figs cool in the syrup for an additional 5 minutes to absorb more flavor.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the poached figs to a serving dish, carefully removing the cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon slice.
- If desired, reduce the remaining syrup over high heat for 2-3 minutes to create a thicker consistency.
- Pour the reduced syrup over the figs and serve warm or at room temperature as a dessert or accompaniment to yogurt or ice cream.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm figs to ensure they hold their shape during poaching.
- Use a wide, shallow pan to allow figs to cook evenly without crowding.
- Keep the heat low and gentle to prevent the figs from breaking apart.
- Fresh, high-quality honey makes a significant difference in the final flavor.
- Don't discard the syrup—it's delicious drizzled over yogurt, ice cream, or used in cocktails.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a vanilla bean or orange zest to the syrup.
- If possible, use organic, locally sourced figs for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
