Shallot Fig Spread
CLEAN START | Winter | Page 129
YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS SPREAD! Enjoy it as an appetizer or a snack on a rice cracker, thin it with water or orange juice for a savory marinade, or spread it on a rice tortilla, top with sautéed chard and broil for a yummy gourmet pizza.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup dried Turkish figs (about 12)
2 cups water
7 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
Zest of 1 large orange
Juice of 2 oranges
2 tablespoons maple syrup
PREPARATION
Prepare figs by discarding tough stem ends and cutting fruit into halves. Place in small pot over medium-high heat with 2 cups water and bring to boil. Simmer until liquid is reduced to 1⁄2 cup (about 20 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside, keeping figs in liquid.
Over medium heat, sauté shallots in olive oil until very soft (about 15 minutes). Add ginger, orange zest and juice. Stir continuously and sauté 5 minutes longer. Add figs, reduced liquid and maple syrup. Stir to combine and remove from heat. When cool enough to touch, transfer mixture into mixing bowl and gently purée with handheld blender (or food processor) until spread is blended but some figs and onions are still visible. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
MAKES 2 cups
4 Comments
This is an excellent recipe. I’ve had it on rice cakes and used it as a marinade. It was a new taste to me, but I really liked it.
I made this the day I bought “Clean Food.” It is absolutely fantastic!!! If you eat dairy, I highly recommend spreading this on homemade crostini with goat cheese; I have brought this appetizer to MANY parties and it is always well received. Occasionally I omit the ginger and add a tablespoon of high quality balsamic vinegar.
Another winner! Will try this one too. If you think of more gluten free stuff to put it on, please let me know (thanks for the ideas – chard, etc). Take care!
I’m going to try this, this weekend.