19 South African Fig Preserve Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
South African fig preserve, also known as "konfyt," is a delicious and versatile spread that is easy to make at home. This traditional preserve is a staple in South African households and is often enjoyed on toast, scones, or as a sweet accompaniment to savory dishes. The combination of ripe figs, sugar, and a touch of lemon creates a rich and complex flavor that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. In this article, we will dive into the history of this beloved preserve and share a simple yet authentic recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Bread, Unsalted Butter, Goat Cheese, Fig Jam, Arugula
Take your love for grilled cheese to a whole new level with this mouth-watering recipe. By combining the sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the savory goodness of melted cheese, you'll have a unique and delicious meal that will have your taste buds singing. Simply grill your cinnamon rolls with your choice of cheese (we recommend gooey mozzarella or tangy cheddar) until it reaches a golden brown perfection. Serve with a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness and enjoy!
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Fig Jam Straws
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Fig Jam, Flour, Powdered Sugar, Figs
Add a touch of elegance to your next gathering with these fig jam straws. The perfect balance of sweet and salty, these flaky pastry treats are sure to be a hit with your guests. Simply spread fig jam on a sheet of puff pastry, fold it over, and cut into thin strips. Bake until golden brown and serve with a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful combination of flavors.
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Fig and Rosemary Sticky Glazed Roast Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Balsamic Glaze, Garlic, Rosemary, Salt
Take your roast chicken to the next level with this fig and rosemary glaze. The sweetness of the figs combined with the herbiness of rosemary creates a perfectly balanced glaze for your chicken. Simply mix together fig jam, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary and brush over your roasted chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. The result? A flavorful and tender chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Roasted Pear, Figs and Gorgonzola Puffed Pastry
Main Ingredients: Bartlett Pear, Figs, Gorgonzola, Sugar, Cinnamon, Fig
Elevate your appetizer game with these delectable puffed pastry bites. Topped with roasted pears, figs, and gorgonzola, these flaky pastries are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Simply roll out some puff pastry, top with sliced pears, figs, and crumbled gorgonzola. Bake until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve as a delicious and elegant appetizer at your next dinner party.
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Green Fig Preserve
Main Ingredients: Figs, Sugar, Water, Spices, Lemon
Preserve the flavor of fresh figs all year round with this simple recipe for green fig preserve. By cooking down figs with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until thick and syrupy, you can enjoy the sweetness of figs on toast, in pastries, or as a topping for ice cream or pancakes. Plus, the vibrant green color of this preserve makes it visually appealing and perfect for gifting to friends and family.
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Ham and Fig Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Bread, Fontina Cheese, Ham, Figs, Fig Jam
If you love a good ham and cheese sandwich, then you'll love this twist on the classic. By adding fig jam to your grilled cheese, you'll add a sweet and tangy element to the sandwich that will take it to a whole new level. Simply spread fig jam on one slice of bread, top with sliced ham, and your choice of cheese. Grill until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and enjoy a delicious and flavorful sandwich.
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Fig Dark and Stormy
Main Ingredients: Fig Preserves, Dark Rum, Lemon, Ginger Beer, Figs, Thyme
Looking for a unique and refreshing cocktail? Look no further than this fig and dark and stormy recipe. By infusing figs in dark rum and combining it with ginger beer and lime, you'll have a sweet and spicy drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. The best part? You can use fresh or dried figs to infuse the rum, making it a versatile and easy recipe to make at home.
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Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Main Ingredients: Prosciutto, Salami, Soppressata, Cured Meats, Cheese
For a simple and elegant meal, put together a cheese and charcuterie board. The combination of salty meats and savory cheeses paired with sweet figs and honey is a delicious and foolproof way to impress your guests. Simply arrange an assortment of your favorite cheeses and meats on a board and add in figs, jam, and honey for a perfect balance of flavors.
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Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese and Figs
Main Ingredients: Pancetta Slices, Soft Fresh Goat Cheese, Fig Jam
If you're looking for a crunchy and savory appetizer, look no further than these pancetta crisps with goat cheese and figs. Simply bake thin slices of pancetta until crispy, then top with goat cheese and a slice of fig. Broil until the cheese is melted and the fig is soft and enjoy a perfect bite-sized appetizer that is sure to impress.
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Aaron Franklin’s Fig Ancho Beer Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ancho Chilies, Figs, Yellow Onion, Butter, Brown Sugar
For all the barbecue lovers out there, this fig and ancho beer barbecue sauce is a must-try. This recipe from renowned pitmaster Aaron Franklin combines the sweetness of figs with the spiciness of ancho chilies and the bitterness of beer for a complex and flavorful sauce that will take your barbecue to the next level. Use it as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce for a delicious and unique twist on your favorite meats.
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How to make the BEST Fruit and Cheese Board
Main Ingredients: Brie, Parmigiano Reggiano, Burrata, Sharp Cheddar, Mild
Want to impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious fruit and cheese board? Look no further than this step-by-step guide on how to make the best fruit and cheese board. From selecting the right cheeses and fruits to arranging them on the board, this guide will ensure that your board is both visually appealing and delicious. Don't forget to add some figs and fig jam for a sweet and unique addition to your board.
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Baked Brie with Figs, Pistachios and Orange
Main Ingredients: Wheel Of Brie, Fig Jam, Figs, Pistachios, Orange
For a decadent and flavorful appetizer, try this recipe for baked brie with figs, pistachios, and orange. Simply top a wheel of brie with fig jam, chopped pistachios, and orange zest, and bake until the cheese is melted and gooey. Serve with sliced baguette or crackers for a savory and delicious appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more.
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Clinton
Main Ingredients: Dried Ancho Chiles, Figs, Sweet Onion, Unsalted Butter
If you're a fan of the Clinton cocktail, you'll love this twist on the classic. By combining fig vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice, you'll have a sweet and tangy cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. The fig-infused vodka adds a unique and delicious twist to this classic cocktail, making it a must-try for any vodka lover.
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Roasted Fig, Ricotta, Pistachio & Honey Crostini
Main Ingredients: Figs, Olive Oil, Honey, Bread, Ricotta, Kosher Salt
For a simple and delicious appetizer, try these crostini topped with roasted figs, creamy ricotta, pistachios, and a drizzle of honey. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the crunch of the crostini, makes for a perfect bite-sized appetizer. Plus, it's easy to make and can be assembled in minutes, making it a great option for impromptu gatherings.
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Fig, Prosciutto and Burrata Salad With Creamy Balsamic...
Main Ingredients: Prosciutto, Mixed Salad Greens, Figs, Burrata, Fig Jam
For a light and fresh summer salad, try this recipe for a fig, prosciutto, and burrata salad. The combination of sweet figs, salty prosciutto, and creamy burrata cheese is a match made in heaven. Top with a creamy balsamic dressing and enjoy a delicious and satisfying salad that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
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Charcuterie Board
Main Ingredients: Prosciutto, Salami, Sopressata, Capicola, Brie
For a simple and elegant meal, put together a charcuterie board. The combination of salty meats and savory cheeses paired with sweet figs and honey is a delicious and foolproof way to impress your guests. Simply arrange an assortment of your favorite cheeses and meats on a board and add in figs, jam, and honey for a perfect balance of flavors.
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Fig, Vanilla Bean and Cardamom Infused Vodka...
Main Ingredients: Vodka, Figs, Vanilla Beans, Cardamom Pods, Fig, Ice
Take your cocktail game to the next level with this recipe for a fig, vanilla bean, and cardamom infused vodka cocktail. The combination of sweet figs with fragrant vanilla and spicy cardamom creates a complex and delicious vodka that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into a cocktail. Serve with a slice of fresh fig for a beautiful presentation.
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Gluten Free Fig Muffins
Main Ingredients: Buckwheat Flour, Brown Rice Flour, Baking Powder, Salt
For all the gluten-free eaters out there, this recipe for fig muffins is a must-try. By using almond flour and coconut flour, these muffins are moist, flavorful, and gluten-free. Simply mix together figs, honey, and cinnamon with the flour and bake until golden brown. These fig muffins are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy option.
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Arugula Fig Salad with Maple Fig Dressing
Main Ingredients: Baby Arugula, Figs, Blueberries, Toasted Walnuts
For a light and refreshing salad option, try this recipe for an arugula and fig salad with a maple and fig dressing. The peppery arugula pairs perfectly with the sweetness of figs, and the maple and fig dressing adds a rich and sweet element to the salad. Top with sliced almonds and crumbled goat cheese for a satisfying and delicious salad that is sure to be a hit.
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Buttered Mushroom, Fig and Bacon Galette with Roasted...
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour, Salt, Black
The History of South African Fig Preserve
South African fig preserve has a long and rich history, dating back to the days of Dutch colonization in the 17th century. In those times, figs were commonly grown and used as a source of food and medicine. The preservation of fruits and vegetables was also a common practice, as it allowed for a longer shelf life and provided a means of enjoying seasonal produce throughout the year.
The popularity of fig preserve grew over the years, and it became a staple in South African cuisine. With the addition of sugar, the flavor became sweeter and more complex, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Today, it is not uncommon to find a jar of this delicious preserve in almost every South African household.
The Health Benefits of Fig Preserve
In addition to its delicious taste, South African fig preserve also offers numerous health benefits. Figs are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help lower cholesterol levels. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium. This makes fig preserve a healthier alternative to other sweet spreads and a great way to add some extra nutrition to your diet.
How to Make South African Fig Preserve
Now that you know the history and health benefits of this tasty preserve, it's time to try making it at home. Follow these simple steps to create your own jar of South African fig preserve:
1. Start by gathering your ingredients, which include ripe figs, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Wash and dry the figs, then remove the stems and chop them into small pieces.
3. In a large pot, combine the chopped figs, sugar, and lemon juice, and let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the figs to release their juices.
4. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and let it come to a boil, stirring occasionally.
5. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, until the mixture thickens and turns into a syrup-like consistency.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool before transferring the fig preserve into sterilized jars.
7. Store the jars in a cool, dark place and enjoy your homemade South African fig preserve on toast, scones, or as a delicious addition to your favorite dishes.
In Conclusion
South African fig preserve is a delicious and versatile spread with a long and interesting history. With its health benefits and simple recipe, it's a must-try for any food lover. So why not give it a try and add a taste of South Africa to your kitchen?