Recipes › Fig › Braised Figs in Red Wine
Braised Figs in Red Wine
Fresh figs gently braised in red wine with cinnamon, star anise, and honey until they're swollen, silky, and infused with the deep, spiced wine. Served warm or at room temperature alongside vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy cheese, these braised figs are one of the most elegant and effortless desserts imaginable. The wine reduces to a glossy, fragrant syrup that's almost as good as the figs themselves.
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Ingredients
- 12 medium fresh figs, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup dry red winePomegranate juice for alcohol-free
- 3 tbsp honeyMaple syrup for vegan
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 strip orange peel, about 3 inches long (optional)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Contains: sulphites.
Method
- Combine red wine, honey, cinnamon stick, star anise, thyme, and orange peel in a wide skillet or shallow saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.About 5 min
- Add figs cut-side down. Cook over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, occasionally spooning the wine over the figs, until figs are tender and the wine has reduced by about half.About 10 min
- Carefully turn the figs cut-side up. Cook for another 5 minutes, continuing to baste, until the syrup is glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon.About 5 min
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Discard cinnamon stick, star anise, thyme, and orange peel. Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream, yogurt, or cheese.About 2 min
Tips
- Use a good-quality wine you'd actually drink — the flavor of the wine defines the syrup.
- Slightly underripe figs hold their shape better through braising; overripe figs collapse.
- The wine syrup is also incredible spooned over oatmeal or pancakes the next morning.
Ring the changes
- Add a split vanilla bean to the wine for an even more perfumed, fragrant result.
- Serve with a wedge of Gorgonzola or aged Manchego instead of dessert for a cheese course.
Keeping it
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Gently rewarm over low heat or serve at room temperature.
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