Turkish Fig Delight

Ingredients

• 12 fresh figs 12 fresh figs
• 1 cup (240 ml) water 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 cup (60 g) walnuts, finely chopped 1/2 cup (60 g) walnuts, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 48g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. 2.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the cinnamon flavor.
3. 3.
   Meanwhile, wash the figs and cut off the stems. Make a small incision in the top of each fig, creating a pocket for the stuffing.
4. 4.
   In a bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, honey, and lemon juice until well combined.
5. 5.
   Gently stuff each fig with the walnut mixture, using a teaspoon or your fingers.
6. 6.
   Place the stuffed figs into the simmering syrup and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the figs are tender and the syrup has thickened.
7. 7.
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the figs cool in the syrup.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, transfer the figs to a serving dish and drizzle with some of the syrup.
9. 9.
   Serve the Turkish Fig Delight at room temperature or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Figs — Choose ripe figs that are slightly soft to the touch for the best flavor and texture.
• Walnuts — Toasting the walnuts before chopping them will enhance their nutty flavor. Be careful not to burn them.
• Cinnamon stick — If you don't have a cinnamon stick, you can substitute it with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the Turkish Fig Delight with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• If fresh figs are not available, you can use dried figs. Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before stuffing and cooking.
• Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
• Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the figs before serving for a decadent chocolatey addition.
• Leftover syrup can be stored in the refrigerator and used as a sweetener for tea or other desserts.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish Fig Delight as a standalone dessert or as a sweet ending to a Turkish-inspired meal. It pairs beautifully with a cup of Turkish tea or a glass of chilled Raki, a traditional Turkish alcoholic beverage.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed figs on a decorative platter, drizzling some of the syrup over them for an enticing presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.