Just a hint of sweetness with full fig flavor, homemade fig paste is quick and super easy to make. Dried figs, orange juice, a bit of sugar, splash of lemon and water – simmer till soft. A perfect addition to tapas, charcuterie, cheese board, antipasti spread or crostini.
Jump to RecipeFresh and Budget Friendly
You get a luxury flavor at a more palatable price making fig paste yourself. Especially if you want to make enough for a party. I was able to make 3 times as much for the cost of one small pre-made jar. It also lets you controls the ingredients, especially the amount of sugar (for those who don’t like it too sweet).
Wine Pairing
Original Pairing: Marches Di Borgosok Fiano from Puglia
General Pairing: Pinot Grigio, Albariño, Off-Dry Riesling
Special Ingredients
Figs
Dried mission figs are available year round and they provide a concentration of fig flavor to this dig. You can use other figs. If using fresh figs, lessen the water and you may want to cook it down longer to get the right thickness.
Orange Juice
A fresh, ripe orange provides a bit of acid and sweetness to the mix, but you will only taste the slightest note of it. I do not recommend using concentrate as it may overwhelm the fig flavor.
Planning the dish
Fig paste sets well the day after you make it. This lets you make it ahead of time (1-2 days) and keep in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Timing the Elements
Time of Serving: Take out of refridgerator to come to room temperature to service.
Plating Tips
This is thick enough to mold into a shape if you would like. Or place in a nice bowl with a small spoon or butter knife. Granish with a sprig of herb such as basic or thyme.
Part of crostini, spread on bread or cracker and layer with contrasting elements that may be creamy (ricotta cheese), bite of arugula, drizzle of honey, or accompany a sharp cheddar.
(see Wares section for plating supplies & ideas)
Pairing Alterations
Adjusting Sweetness
You can adjust for stronger sweetness, especially if you are pairing with a sweeter wine. Just add in more sugar, a tablespoon at a time, as you are blending it.
Recipe
Fig Paste Spread
Equipment
- 1 Stick blender or upright blender, food processor
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried black mission figs stems removed, quartered
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup water plus more to preference
- 2-3 tbsp granulated sugar to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
Instructions
- In a pot, place all ingredients and bring to a simmer over medium heat.simmering2 cups of chopped dried figs with 1/4 cup each of orange juice and water, alongwith orange zest, sugar to taste. Cover with lid and let simmer until soft, youmay have to add water if liquid level gets low before softening. Add about 2 TBat a time. Blend ina food processor or use a mixing wand until smooth. This thick, sweet paste isperfect for cheese boards, pastries, or toast.
- Once simmering, cover and lower heat to lowest setting.
- Check every few minutes to make sure there is still liquid to be absorbed. Add a couple tablespoons of water if it gets too dry. You want to be able to cook it for at least 20 minutes.
- Once very soft, blend to puree using a stick blender, blender or food processor. Make sure to scrape sides so all of the pieces get well blended.
- Place in a container or mold and cool in refridgerator
- Take out of fridge 30 minutes before serving to allow to come to room temp. If using a mold, demold while it is still cold.
