Fig Jam: Elevating Your Culinary Creations with Sweet Sophistication
There’s an undeniable enchantment in making your very own Fig Jam. This recipe works its magic, transforming plump, succulent figs into a luscious, sweet spread that captures the essence of the ripest, sun-kissed fruits. With just a handful of ingredients, a sprig of fresh rosemary, and a dash of lemon juice, you can create a delightful Fig Jam that adds a burst of flavour to your breakfasts, and snacks or even serves as a savoury accompaniment to your favourite dishes.
The beauty of this recipe doesn’t just reside in its simplicity but also in the depth of flavours it delivers. As the figs simmer with sugar, water, and the aromatic embrace of rosemary, they metamorphose into a jam that’s not just rich and fragrant but utterly irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned jam-maker or a newcomer to the world of preserving, this Fig Jam recipe beckons you to embark on a culinary journey filled with the sweet allure of figs and the subtle notes of rosemary.
Basic Ingredients for Fig Jam
Fig Jam:
Fresh Figs: Figs are the heart of this jam, providing a unique combination of natural sweetness and earthy richness. They contribute to the jam’s delightful texture and flavour.
Sugar: Sugar sweetens the jam, enhancing the figs’ natural sweetness and helping to create the desired jam consistency.
Water: Water is essential to simmer the figs and sugar together, facilitating the cooking process and aiding in the thickening of the jam.
Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant and savoury dimension to the jam, elevating it beyond simple sweetness. It provides a delightful contrast to the figs’ flavour.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brightens the jam’s flavours and balances the sweetness. It adds a refreshing citrusy note that complements the figs and rosemary.
alternative ingredients
Sweeteners: Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different flavour profile while maintaining sweetness.
Herbs: If rosemary isn’t your preference, try thyme or lavender for unique herbal notes.
Preparation Tips for Fig Jam
- Rosemary Infusion: To infuse the jam with rosemary, tie the sprig with kitchen twine for easy removal once the jam is ready. This ensures the rosemary flavour is present but not overwhelming.
- Chopping Figs: Ensure the figs are stemmed and chopped into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and a smoother jam texture.
Serving Tips for Fig Jam
- As a Baked Camembert Topping: One delightful way to use this Fig Jam is as a topping for Baked Camembert. Spread a generous spoonful of the jam over a wheel of Camembert before baking for a warm, gooey, and savoury-sweet appetiser. Serve with crackers or bread for a luxurious treat.
- Breakfast and Snacking: Fig Jam is a versatile condiment that pairs wonderfully with toast, croissants, or yoghurt for breakfast. It’s also an excellent accompaniment to cheese boards, charcuterie platters, or sandwiches.
storage tips
Refrigeration: Store leftover Fig Jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Freezing: You can freeze Fig Jam for more extended storage. Use a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can be stored for up to six months. Thaw in the refrigerator when needed.
Fig Jam
Ingredients
- 300 g fresh figs, stemmed and chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 small sprig of fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the chopped fresh figs, sugar and water over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the fresh rosemary sprig to the mixture. This will infuse the jam with the aromatic rosemary flavour. You can tie the rosemary sprig with kitchen twine for easy removal later.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The figs should become soft, and the mixture will thicken to a jam-like consistency.
- Remove the rosemary sprig from the jam and discard it. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Let it boil for another 5 minutes. Allow the fig jam to cool.
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