Saraiki-style Fig Cheese

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Portuguese Queijo de figo is transformed into a Saraiki-style dish by incorporating the unique flavors and ingredients of Saraiki cuisine. The original recipe is modified to include Saraiki spices and nuts, giving it a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, the cooking technique is adjusted to suit the Saraiki culinary traditions, resulting in a dish that reflects the essence of Saraiki cuisine while still retaining the essence of the original Portuguese dish. We alse have the original recipe for Queijo de figo, so you can check it out.

• 12 fresh figs 12 fresh figs
• 100g (3.5oz) goat cheese 100g (3.5oz) goat cheese
• 50g (1.8oz) almonds, finely chopped 50g (1.8oz) almonds, finely chopped
• 50g (1.8oz) pistachios, finely chopped 50g (1.8oz) pistachios, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 10g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (16g sugars)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut a small slit in each fig and gently open it up.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, mix together the goat cheese, almonds, pistachios, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, and turmeric powder.
4. 4.
   Stuff each fig with the cheese and nut mixture, pressing gently to close the fig.
5. 5.
   Place the stuffed figs on a baking tray and drizzle them with honey.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the figs are soft and the cheese is slightly melted.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to finely chop the almonds to ensure they blend well with the cheese mixture.
• Pistachios — Similarly, finely chop the pistachios to add a delightful crunch to the dish.
• Goat cheese — Use a soft and creamy goat cheese for easy stuffing and melting.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of red chili powder.
• Serve the Saraiki-style Fig Cheese as an appetizer or as a dessert for a unique culinary experience.
• Experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or cashews, for added variety.
• Drizzle the stuffed figs with a little extra honey before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Pair this dish with a glass of chilled Riesling or a cup of aromatic Darjeeling tea for a perfect combination of flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Saraiki-style Fig Cheese warm as an appetizer or dessert. Arrange the stuffed figs on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation. Accompany it with some crusty bread or crackers to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, drizzle a little honey over the stuffed figs just before serving. The sticky syrup will add a glossy sheen to the dish, making it even more enticing. Arrange the figs on a beautiful serving platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of freshness.