The star fruit of September is so good as is that it seems difficult to improve it, but this simple recipe for fried figs in the Extremadura style achieves it
Fried Figs Recipe
“As San Miguel comes, the figs are honey,” says the wise proverb, referring to September 29 and marking the end of summer. It is at this time that this fruit – which is actually an inflorescence, or many small fruits gathered in a receptacle – is at its best for viewing and eating. However, the fig season extends from late July to November and is preceded by brevas. These are the figs that did not manage to ripen in time – something many of us can relate to – and have been on the tree all winter, waiting for their moment. Just like the moment we’ve been waiting for to cook fried figs from Extremadura.
Extremadura is the leading fig-producing region in Spain, which, in turn, is the largest producer of figs in Europe. This fruit has been accompanying us for centuries, and the romance is likely to last because it is sweet yet very healthy. This recipe is simple and impressive, ideal for a month like September when time for intricate cooking is limited. To make it, you only need fresh figs – which you can buy at any local fruit store – or dried ones (with milk if you choose the latter), eggs, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and oil.
Time: 12 minutes
Difficulty: The most complicated part of the recipe is… well, perhaps not eating them all at once.
Ingredients
For 4 people
- 500 g fresh or dried figs (approximately)
- Milk (for the dried fig version)
- 1 egg
- 5 tablespoons of flour (the batter should be thick)
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Sunflower oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut the figs in half. If using dried figs, soak them in milk in a bowl for 1 to 2 hours. Drain well in a colander.
Tip: This step is not necessary if using fresh figs. - Beat the egg white until stiff peaks form, then incorporate the yolk, five tablespoons of flour, and a bit of water. Mix everything well until the batter is thick.
- Heat a generous amount of sunflower oil in a frying pan, and once hot, dip the figs previously coated in the egg and flour mixture.
- Once fried on both sides, remove them, drain on paper towels, and roll in a mixture of sugar and a little cinnamon. Let cool, and enjoy!