Ingredients
- 4 Fresh Figs
- 8 Halfs Walnuts
- 150ml Water
- 60g Sugar
Directions
A delicious combination of soft figs and crunchy walnuts paired together beautifully with a simple fig syrup.
No Albanian will argue that the best way to eat figs is to pluck them straight from the trees and eat them. Closely followed by making them into a thick fig jam of course. The problem is, with many fig trees in our garden and long the paths between our family homes we have more then enough figs for the summer.
Walnut stuffed figs take advantage of two of Albania’s agricultural products. Fig jam and dried figs are popular gifts where as candied walnuts can be found more at celebration times. The fig jam that is made originates from southern Albania and known as ‘Gliko Fiku i Eger’ – Wild Fig Marmalade. Sadly the making of this is said to be fading amongst locals.
This Albanian dessert is a traditional way to cook figs however only a select few villages seem to make it. I guess this recipe must be something tracing back into my husbands area. Or, with every recipe made slightly different, by hand and with no recipe guide to follow it may be something that has been invented by one of these wonderful home cook villagers.
Take advantage of the season and enjoy this sweet fig dessert from July through to October.
Steps
1 Done | Prepare the FigsCut off the hard bits of stalk and then cut the figs in half length ways. |
2 Done | Place the figs in a small frying pan / saute pan with the cut side face up and add the water around them. |
3 Done | CookingLeave the figs on a medium heat to cook through, once they become soft remove them from the pan and place onto a serving dish. This will take around 10 - 15 minutes. |
4 Done | Prepare the SyrupIn the pan there will be a red water juice left from the figs. Add the sugar while remaining on a medium heat. Stir continuously for a couple of minutes until the juice has turned to a thick syrup. Remove from the heat. |
5 Done | ServingPush one half of walnut into every fig and then drizzle the syrup over the top. |
6 Done | Serve warm or cooled. |
3 Comments Hide Comments
Wasn’t sure if these had to be fresh figs but i used dry figs. Turned out great bc they got soft when boiling. My family loves these! I am definitely making this again!
I’ve always used fresh figs but it’s good to know this works with dry figs too, glad you enjoyed 🙂
This recipe is a family tradition passed down 5 generations to my knowledge but sadly one that seems to be disappearing from Albanian culture. I’m pleased to see it being brought back by food bloggers such as yourself ❤️