Recipe

Hamburg Smokvenjak

Fig Delight: Hamburg Smokvenjak Recipe

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Hamburg with this delightful twist on the traditional Croatian dessert, Smokvenjak. This recipe combines the rich sweetness of figs with local ingredients to create a mouthwatering treat that captures the essence of Hamburg's culinary scene.

Dessert› Smokvenjak

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Croatian cuisine

European cuisine› German cuisine› Hamburg cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

15-20 minutes

Total time

35-40 minutes

Yields

12 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegan breadcrumbs), Dairy-free, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs), Nut-free (if almonds are omitted or substituted)

Allergens

Almonds

Not suitable for

Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Low-fat

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Smokvenjak, we incorporate local ingredients and flavors from Hamburg to create a unique twist on the traditional Croatian dessert. The original recipe uses Mediterranean spices and ingredients, while the Hamburg version incorporates local almonds and spices to add a distinct flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Smokvenjak, so you can check it out.

500g (1.1 lb) dried figs 500g (1.1 lb) dried figs
100g (3.5 oz) almonds, finely chopped 100g (3.5 oz) almonds, finely chopped
100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs
100g (3.5 oz) sugar 100g (3.5 oz) sugar
1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves 1/4 tsp cloves
Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.3g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 28g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 4g
Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1.
In a food processor, blend the dried figs until they form a sticky paste.
2.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fig paste, chopped almonds, breadcrumbs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3.
Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the Smokvenjak for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
5.
Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
6.
Once cooled, dust the Smokvenjak with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
7.
Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Almonds — Make sure to finely chop the almonds to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients.

Tips & Tricks

For a variation, you can add a touch of orange zest to the mixture for a citrusy twist.
If the mixture is too dry, add a small amount of water or orange juice to achieve the desired consistency.
Store the Smokvenjak in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Hamburg Smokvenjak as a delightful dessert after a meal or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Smokvenjak on a decorative platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. You can also garnish with a sprig of mint for a pop of color.