Wondering How To Use Figs? Try These Sweet and Savory Recipes

Figs are delicate, soft and superbly sweet. These characteristics make this summer fruit a wonderful addition to desserts but also appetizers, salads and even meat dishes.

We've rounded up some exciting recipes you can sample whenever you've got one too many figs laying around.

How To Use Figs: Great Recipe Ideas

Antipasto of Prosciutto and Figs

Italians are very fond of the sweet and savory flavors in this easy appetizer of fresh figs, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar and basil.

It all comes together in under 5 minutes. Here is how to make it.

Fig and Cheese Sandwich

Caramelized figs make an amazing addition to cheese sandwiches and quesadillas. The fruit's sweetness dances off the natural umami of the cheese.

Which cheese should you use? Gorgonzola, stracchino and aged cheddar are all great options.

Fig Mostarda

 

If you've never tried fig mostarda you are missing out. Mostarda is an Italian-style jam with a kick thanks to the addition of mustard oil (hence the name mostarda). This sweet and savory concoction is delightful with cheeses, crackers and bread.

Curious about how to make it? Try this recipe for fig mostarda :

Fig Risotto

If you love risotto then try enhancing it with fresh figs.

The trick to pulling it off is to use carnaroli or arborio rice and cooking it in vegetable broth only (any other type of broth would be too overpowering). 

Slice the figs and add them to the risotto in the last 3 or 4 minutes of cooking, stirring them gently until incorporated. You'll need 7 or 8 figs for every 500 g (more or less 2 cups) of rice.

Ossobuco with Figs

Ossobuco, the legendary Italian dish of braised veal shanks, gets a makeover in this exciting recipe from chef Philip Mantinger.

Veal is swapped for deer while figs and gorgonzola flavor the decadent red wine sauce.

Here is the must-try recipe.

Salad with Figs

Want to prepare a killer salad? Add some fresh figs!

Pair them with fresh greens, shaved Parmesan, balsamic vinegar and your choice of ham (unless, of course, you want a vegetarian salad).

Bruléed Figs

^{image via What's Cooking America}

Bruléed figs are an easy vegan dessert you can whip up in no time.

Simply slice the figs in half lengthwise, sprinkle with sugar and torch or run under a broiler until the sugar melts and caramelizes. Serve alone or with ice cream.

Find more fig recipes over at California Figs.

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Wondering How To Use Figs? Try These Sweet and Savory Recipes