Fig jam is a delicious way to use up fresh figs and preserve them for enjoyment all year round. This sweet, fruity jam is easy to make and can be used in a variety of dishes, including toast, pastries, and even as a glaze for meats.
Here’s a simple fig jam recipe that is sure to make your taste buds sing.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh figs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Wash the figs and remove the stems. Cut them into halves or quarters and place in a large pot.
- Add the sugar, lemon juice, honey, and vanilla extract to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the jam simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until the figs have broken down and the mixture has thickened.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the jam cool for a few minutes.
- Using an immersion blender or food processor, puree the jam until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a smooth jam, blend until completely smooth. If you like a chunky jam, blend until it reaches your desired texture.
- Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this fig jam recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:.
Add Spices
Try adding cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg to the mixture while cooking to give it a warm, spiced flavor.
Add Booze
Add a splash of brandy, rum, or whiskey to the jam after cooking to give it an extra kick of flavor.
Add Citrus
Try adding orange zest or a few tablespoons of orange juice to the mixture to give it a citrusy tang.
Uses for Fig Jam
Now that you’ve made your own delicious fig jam, here are a few ideas for how to use it:.
On Toast
Spread fig jam on your morning toast or English muffin for a sweet and fruity breakfast.
As a Glaze
Use fig jam as a glaze for meats like chicken, pork, or even lamb. Simply brush the jam onto the meat during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a sticky, sweet finish.
In Pastries
Use fig jam as a filling for pastries like turnovers, croissants, or danishes. The sweet and fruity flavor pairs well with buttery pastry dough.
With Cheese
Pair fig jam with your favorite cheeses like brie, cheddar, or goat cheese for a sweet and savory snack.
Conclusion
Fig jam is a versatile and delicious way to enjoy fresh figs all year round. This simple recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.
Whether you prefer a smooth or chunky jam, sweet or spiced, fig jam is sure to make your taste buds sing.