20 Southern Recipe For Fig Preserves Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Apr 25, 2024
Southern cuisine is known for its rich and hearty flavors, and one staple ingredient that is often used in these dishes is figs. These small, sweet fruits are abundant in the southern region and are a popular choice for making preserves. In this article, we'll be sharing with you a traditional Southern recipe for fig preserves that is sure to become a favorite in your household. So fire up your stovetop and get ready to make a batch of delicious fig preserves!
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
What better way to start off our list than with a classic Southern side dish – cornbread! This recipe for Southern Skillet Cornbread is perfect for serving alongside your Beer Can Chicken. The secret to this delicious cornbread is using buttermilk and bacon grease. The tanginess of the buttermilk and the smokiness of the bacon grease add a depth of flavor that is unbeatable. Trust us, this cornbread will be a hit at your next BBQ.
If you are in the mood for a hearty and comforting meal, then this recipe for Southern Smothered Chicken is for you. Tender and juicy chicken thighs are smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. The chicken is slow-cooked until it falls off the bone and the gravy thickens. Serve this dish with some mashed potatoes and southern collard greens for the ultimate Southern meal.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of collard greens. This classic recipe for southern collard greens is packed with flavor and is the perfect accompaniment to your Beer Can Chicken. The greens are cooked with bacon, onions, garlic, and chicken broth until they are tender and flavorful. Serve them with a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.
If you have some leftover cornbread from our first recipe, then this Southern Cornbread Dressing is the perfect way to use it up. This traditional Southern side dish is made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and sage. It is the perfect accompaniment to your Beer Can Chicken, adding a delicious and savory element to your plate.
If you are feeling adventurous and want to try something different, then this recipe for Southern Smothered Oxtails is a must-try. These tender and flavorful oxtails are slow-cooked in a rich gravy made with tomatoes, onions, and wine. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dish that pairs perfectly with your Beer Can Chicken. Serve it over a bed of southern rice for a complete meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without some flaky and buttery biscuits. This recipe for Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits is simple and easy to make, with flour, baking powder, sugar, and butter. These biscuits are perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from your Beer Can Chicken. Brush them with some melted butter before serving for an extra indulgent treat.
Who doesn't love a good mac and cheese? This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe takes this classic comfort food to a whole new level. Made with elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, and evaporated milk, this dish is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. Serve it alongside your Beer Can Chicken for the ultimate comfort food feast.
Looking for a twist on the traditional mac and cheese? This recipe for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is sure to please. The addition of green chilies and bacon adds a unique and delicious flavor to this classic dish. Top it off with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs for a crispy and crunchy crust.
No meal is complete without dessert, and these Southern Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect sweet treat to end your meal. These bars have all the delicious flavors of a traditional pecan pie, but in a convenient and easy-to-eat bar form. The pecans and brown sugar add a rich and nutty flavor, while the corn syrup adds a gooey texture. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Summer is the perfect time for fresh and juicy peaches, and this recipe for Southern Peach Cobbler is the perfect way to enjoy them. This classic dessert is made with a buttery and flaky crust and filled with sweet peaches and a hint of cinnamon. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly delicious experience.
Another classic collard greens recipe, this one is a bit different from the first. This recipe for Classic Southern Collard Greens is made with ham hocks and apple cider vinegar, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. The greens are slow-cooked until they are tender and infused with all the delicious flavors. Serve them with your Beer Can Chicken for a truly authentic Southern meal.
Looking for the perfect appetizer to serve alongside your Beer Can Chicken? Look no further than this recipe for Southern Pimento Cheese. This tangy and flavorful spread is made with sharp cheddar cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise. Serve it with some saltine crackers for a delicious and easy appetizer that your guests will love.
If you are looking for a simple and delicious side dish to serve with your Beer Can Chicken, then this recipe for Southern Cabbage is a must-try. The cabbage is cooked with bacon, onions, and chicken broth until it is tender and flavorful. Serve it with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for an extra touch of smokiness.
Back to cornbread, but this time with a twist. This recipe for Southern Cornbread adds a touch of sweetness to the traditional recipe with the addition of honey. The result is a slightly sweeter and moister cornbread that is perfect for serving alongside your Beer Can Chicken. Trust us, this cornbread will be a hit at your next BBQ.
If you want to take your Southern breakfast to the next level, then you have to try this recipe for Southern Sausage Gravy. This rich and creamy gravy is made with sage sausage, flour, and milk. Serve it over some southern biscuits for a hearty and delicious breakfast that will keep you satisfied all day.
These crispy and golden Southern Hush Puppies are the perfect side dish to serve with your Beer Can Chicken. Made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, these little bites are packed with flavor and have a perfect crunch. Serve them with some southern fried catfish for a true Southern meal.
If you have some extra squash lying around, then this recipe for Southern Squash Casserole is the perfect way to use it up. This creamy and cheesy casserole is made with yellow squash, cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course with a side of fresh salad.
This recipe for Southern Fried Corn is a delicious and unique way to enjoy fresh corn. The corn is pan-fried with butter, sugar, and black pepper until it becomes caramelized and flavorful. Serve it as a side dish or add it to your Beer Can Chicken for a tasty and unexpected twist.
If you are lucky enough to have access to fresh figs, then you have to try this recipe for Southern Fig Preserves. These sweet and tangy preserves are the perfect accompaniment to your Beer Can Chicken. Serve them as a condiment or use them as a glaze for your chicken for a burst of flavor.
Last but definitely not least on our list is this classic Southern dish – Shrimp and Grits. This recipe takes it to the next level with the addition of andouille sausage and bell peppers, giving it a delicious and spicy kick. Serve it alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a true Southern feast.
The Origins of Fig Preserves in Southern Cuisine
Fig preserves have been a part of Southern cuisine for centuries, with many recipes being passed down from generation to generation. This sweet delicacy was traditionally made during the fig season in the summer, as a way to preserve the fruit for the colder months. It was also a way for families to make use of the abundance of figs in their gardens.
With its sweet and tangy flavor, fig preserves quickly became a staple in Southern pantries, and it's not hard to see why. The simplicity of the recipe and the delicious taste make it a beloved treat that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
The Key Ingredient: Fresh Figs
The key to making delicious fig preserves is using fresh figs. While dried figs can be used, they tend to have a stronger and sweeter flavor, which may not be desirable in this recipe. Look for figs that are ripe and slightly soft to the touch, as these will have the best flavor.
Additionally, figs are packed with nutrients and are a good source of fiber, making them a healthy addition to your diet. So not only will you be enjoying a tasty treat, but you'll also be getting some nutritional benefits as well.
The Recipe: Southern Fig Preserves
To make this delicious Southern recipe for fig preserves, you will need:
4 pounds of fresh figs, stemmed and chopped
4 cups of granulated sugar
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Combine the figs, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the figs are tender and the mixture has thickened.
You can test the thickness of the preserves by spooning a small amount onto a chilled plate. If it sets and doesn't run, then it's ready to be canned. If it's still runny, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Once the preserves are ready, ladle them into sterilized jars and seal tightly. This recipe makes about 6-8 jars, depending on the size. You can store the preserves in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Ways to Enjoy Southern Fig Preserves
Southern fig preserves can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They make a delicious spread for toast or biscuits, and can also be used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. They can even be used as a glaze for meats, giving them a touch of sweetness and tanginess.
So why not try this traditional Southern recipe for fig preserves and add a taste of the South to your meals? With its rich history and delicious flavor, it's no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time.
