Figs in Syrup/Figos em Calda

Portuguese figs are a real treat in the summer when you can pick them off the tree alongside any country path… Different varieties excel in either taste, juiciness or sweetness. Figs are common all across Portugal and the Algarve region is particularly known for producing the best. This noble fruit (they say Louis XIV kept 700 fig trees in Versailles to supply the royal table) is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of salads to add sweetness and looks! The dried variety used for this recipe is easily obtained in most supermarkets but the quality of the figs is crucial for this to work. Here, a basic flavoured syrup is added to dried figs, making them rich with moisture and producing an excellent fig flavoured syrup. The combination of lemon peel and cinnamon is widely used in Portuguese deserts and produces a delicately spiced flavour. Figs in syrup are ideal as a topping for a special fruit salad or ice-cream, as a dessert garnish or just on their own!

Figs in Syrup

Figs in Syrup

2 cups of dried figs
1 cup of sugar
2 cups of water
1 lemon peel
1 cinnamon stick

1. Make the syrup by simmering the water, sugar, lemon peel and cinnamon stick until it reduces by half. You should obtain a slightly thick consistency.

2.  Rinse the dried figs in hot water and add them to the syrup. Leave at least for one day before trying so that the flavours can mix. This will keep for a long time in sterilised jars.

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