Figs are nature’s little gems, bursting with sweetness and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Turning these luscious fruits into a homemade fig fruit paste is a fantastic way to preserve their rich flavor and enjoy them year-round.
Whether you want to spread it on toast, use it as a filling for pastries, or add a natural sweetness to your cheese boards, fig fruit paste is incredibly versatile and simple to make. This recipe takes fresh figs and transforms them into a smooth, concentrated paste that captures all the nuances of this beloved fruit.
Best of all, you control the ingredients, avoiding any unnecessary preservatives or additives found in store-bought versions.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a straightforward method to create your own fig fruit paste at home. Along the way, I’ll share tips and variations, nutritional insights, and serving ideas to inspire your culinary creativity.
If you enjoy easy, wholesome recipes with a gourmet touch, this fig fruit paste recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fig fruit paste is a delightful blend of sweet, earthy, and slightly tangy flavors all concentrated into a luscious spread. It’s naturally sweetened by the figs themselves, requiring minimal added sugar.
This recipe is incredibly versatile — perfect for sweet and savory dishes alike.
Making your own fig paste means you can customize the sweetness and texture to your liking, plus enjoy a preservative-free product that’s fresh and vibrant. It’s also a fantastic way to use up an abundance of fresh figs when they’re in season.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple and rewarding. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with many dishes and snacks, making it a staple you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh ripe figs (about 20 medium figs), washed and stems removed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on fig sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (helps preserve color and adds brightness)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warm spice note)
- Pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)
- Water (as needed for cooking)
Equipment
- Large saucepan or pot
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh sieve (optional, for extra smooth paste)
- Glass jar or airtight container for storage
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the figs: Start by washing your fresh figs thoroughly under cool water. Remove the stems and chop the figs into quarters for quicker cooking.
- Cook the figs: Place the chopped figs in a large saucepan. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Add water: Pour in about 1/4 cup of water to prevent sticking and help the figs soften. You can add a little more if needed during cooking.
- Simmer gently: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the figs break down and the mixture thickens. This will take about 30-40 minutes.
- Blend the mixture: Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and uniform.
- Strain (optional): For an ultra-smooth paste, press the blended fig mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Use a spatula to help push it through, leaving behind any seeds or skin.
- Cool and store: Let the fig fruit paste cool completely. Transfer it to a clean glass jar or airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for longer storage.
Tips & Variations
“Using fresh figs at peak ripeness ensures the best natural sweetness and flavor in your paste.”
- Adjust sweetness: Depending on how sweet your figs are, you may want to reduce or increase the sugar. Taste the cooked figs before blending and add more sugar if necessary.
- Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
- Use dried figs: If fresh figs aren’t available, dried figs can work well. Soak them in warm water for 30 minutes before cooking, and reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- Preserve longer: For longer shelf life, consider canning the fig paste using sterilized jars and a boiling water bath.
- Chunky texture: If you prefer a rustic texture, pulse the figs lightly in the blender or skip the straining step.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Natural Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Vitamin A | 2% DV |
| Vitamin C | 6% DV |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Iron | 2% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Fig fruit paste is a wonderful addition to many dishes and snacks. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Spread it on warm toast or crackers with a dollop of vegan cream cheese for a quick, elegant snack.
- Use it as a filling for homemade pastries, tarts, or vegan croissants.
- Add a spoonful to your morning oatmeal or yogurt for natural sweetness and texture.
- Pair it with a cheese board featuring vegan cheeses, nuts, and fresh fruit.
- Swirl it into salad dressings or sauces for a fruity twist.
- Use it as a glaze or sauce base for roasted vegetables or plant-based meats.
For more tasty vegan recipe ideas, check out my Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or explore the 21 Day Fix Approved Vegan Recipes for Healthy Eating to keep your meals exciting and wholesome.
Conclusion
Making fig fruit paste at home is a rewarding and simple way to savor the natural sweetness of fresh figs beyond their short season. This recipe highlights the fruit’s rich flavor and allows you to customize the texture and sweetness to your liking.
With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Once you try this homemade fig paste, you’ll discover endless ways to incorporate it into your culinary repertoire. From spreading it on toast to enhancing savory dishes, it’s a delightful pantry staple that adds a touch of gourmet flair to everyday meals.
Don’t forget to explore other creative vegan recipes on the site for more inspiration, such as the Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the flavorful Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious results that come with making your own fig fruit paste!
📖 Recipe Card: Fig Fruit Paste Recipe
Description: A sweet and smooth fig paste perfect for spreads and desserts. Made with fresh figs, sugar, and lemon juice for a balanced flavor.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 1 jar (about 2 cups)
Ingredients
- 500g fresh ripe figs, stemmed and quartered
- 200g granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Combine figs, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and water in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until figs soften, about 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens, about 30 minutes.
- Mash the figs with a potato masher or blend for a smoother texture.
- Pour the paste into a sterilized jar and let cool completely.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Carbs: 38g
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