How good are figs: Soft, sweet, enchanting, by definition. Did you know eating figs is good for your health? They're rich in polyphenols, vitamins, calcium, and magnesium and are good for the heart and skin. They also help digestion and strengthen the immune system. If you are expecting a child, stock up on them over this period because they help the fetus to develop properly!
Until early Fall, this is the right season to enjoy all their natural flavor and prepare them in unusual ways.
If you are used to eating them fresh, peeled, and cut into four parts, in this article we will be unsettling your habits a little. Why? Because figs are great for making jams, cakes, and tarts, but they also go well with savory combinations.
Don't believe us? Well, here are some, or rather 10 creative ideas for you!
One. Prosciutto and figs snacks
This is a bit of a classic revisited. Usually, you prepare focaccia with ham and figs, a typical Roman specialty. This is a quick and very tasty finger food snack. Just divide a slice of ham in half lengthwise and wrap it around a fig that is not too big. If you prefer you can also leave it with the peel.
Two. Croutons with cheese and figs
This is also a very quick and easy finger food to serve. Just spread some gorgonzola cheese on a crispy crouton, then complete with a fig cut in half and a walnut.
Three. Baked figs with cheese
This is a super original appetizer that will appeal to cheese lovers and bold combination enthusiasts. The figs are cut in half and placed on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Then they are covered with slices of fresh pecorino cheese and baked in the oven at 180° for a few minutes until the cheese has melted. Decorate with a drizzle of honey and toasted pine nuts.
Four. Risotto with figs
A seemingly super sophisticated and impressive first course, but it’s actually very easy to prepare. The base is the classic risotto and then completed at the end with fig pulp that needs to be added during the creaming stage. Decorate with slices of figs.
Five. Spaghetti with figs and speck
Another very original first course that will certainly make you look good. Just prepare a sauce based on thinly cut leeks cooked with cubes of speck and green figs. The pasta should be cooked al dente and then poured into the sauce to complete the cooking. You can also use short pasta if you prefer, but long pasta is envelopes the sauce better.
Six. Bresaola and figs
If you usually combine bresaola only with rocket and Grana cheese flakes, try adding figs as well. Serve the dish with hot focaccia and for those who want to include a condiment separately add a balsamic vinegar cream.
Seven. Fig escalopes
A very tasty main course with a sweet and fruity aftertaste. Prepare the escalopes according to the classic recipe and then flour the meat and cook it in oil and butter. Heat balsamic vinegar with a little honey and fig pulp and once ready pour the mixture over the escalopes after being seasoned with salt and pepper.
Eight. Figs & ice cream (without an ice cream maker!)
A quick idea to make delicious ice cream without an ice cream maker to sample with figs. Simply mix 2 ¼ cups (500 ml) whipped cream with 13 tbsp (250 g) condensed milk. After about 5-6 hours in the freezer, the ice cream is ready and you can serve it with some figs caramelized in a pan with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a knob of butter.
Nine. Small fig brioches
An easy and perfect dessert for breakfast or a sweet snack. Cut the round puff pastry into slices and place a piece of fig and one or two almonds on the base of each triangle. Wrap the dough into small brioches and bake at 356°F. (180° C.) for about 10-15 minutes.
Ten. Figs semifreddo
A fresh and light spoon dessert. It is prepared by blending and then sifting about 10 figs (400 g). Separately, whip 10 tbsp (150 g) ricotta cheese with ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar and 2.5 tbsp (50 g) honey. Melt 2 sheets of fish gelatine in a little hot water and mix with the other ingredients. Mix everything together and then leave to cool in the freezer for a couple of hours.
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