Delicious Fig Recipe: Figs in Mavrodaphne Wine
Welcome to my recipe for Figs poached in Mavrodaphne Wine with Manouri Cheese. This is a recipe that I developed while reminiscing on my travel experiences in Greece. I came across this dish in one of Athens’ upscale tavernas and was blown away by the simplicity and delicacy of the flavors.
This recipe is perfect for entertaining, as it presents a sophisticated and elegant dessert with very little effort. The beautiful figs poached in sweet mavrodaphne wine create a sweet and spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy and tangy manouri cheese. I guarantee that this dish will impress your guests!
Moreover, this recipe is versatile enough to be served year-round, but it’s ideal for winter evenings when you’re craving something warm and comforting. The blend of seasonal spices like cinnamon stick, thyme honey, and ground cloves will remind you of cozy winter evenings spent by the fire.
For this vegetarian recipe, I also suggest using fresh herbs like mint as a garnish to give the dish an extra pop of freshness. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, skip the crostini completely or try serving the cheese with some gluten-free crackers or fresh figs.
If you’re ready to impress your guests with a decadent yet straightforward dessert recipe that’ll transport them to Greece, read on for my full recipe instructions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for figs in Mavrodaphne wine with Manouri cheese because it’s a delicious and luxurious winter dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This dessert is not only sumptuous and easy-to-make, but also a vegetarian recipe that features many healthy ingredients.
One of the reasons why you should try this recipe is because it is made with sweet, poached figs that are soaked in the rich and velvety Mavrodaphne wine. This wine adds complexity to the dish, infusing it with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves that tantalize your taste buds.
Furthermore, the creamy yet mild flavor of the Manouri cheese brings out the natural sweetness of the figs while adding richness to this recipe. The addition of fresh mint garnish provides balance to the sweet flavors of the dish, which makes it even more delicious.
This dessert is an ideal choice when you’re looking for something fancy that will impress your guests at dinner parties or holiday events. Not only is this a popular recipe in many upscale tavernas in Athens, but it’s also well-loved all around the world.
In summary, you’ll love this recipe for figs in Mavrodaphne wine with Manouri cheese because it’s an elegant dessert offering culinary excellence that is healthy and easy to make. The combination of its delightful flavors and hearty ingredients makes it an ideal dish for eating any time during winter.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this exquisite figs in Mavrodaphne wine with Manouri cheese recipe:
- 2-3 cups Mavrodaphne wine
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup thyme honey
- 4 dried Calimyrna figs
- 150 gr Manouri cheese, sliced or grilled
- Fresh mint for garnish
This vegetarian recipe is a great way to enjoy some fresh figs paired with Manouri cheese and spiced with some delicious Mavrodaphne wine. The sweet red wine goes best with figs and the cheese, making it a perfect winter dessert recipe that is popular in many upscale tavernas around Athens.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Spiced Wine
- In a medium-sized saucepan, mix together 2 1/3 cups of Mavrodaphne wine, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, and 1/2 cup of sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Once cooled, strain the mixture into a bowl and discard the cinnamon stick and cloves.
Step 2: Poaching the Figs
- In the same saucepan, add 20 dried Calimyrna figs and pour in the spiced wine that was just made.
- Make sure that you have enough wine to cover all the figs completely. If needed, add more wine or water.
- Over medium-high heat, bring the wine and figs to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Continue to simmer until most of the liquid has absorbed and thickened, for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove from heat and let it cool completely in liquid.
Step 3: Grilling Manouri Cheese
- Preheat your grill on high for at least 5 minutes before grilling.
- Brush each side of your 150g Manouri cheese or similar cheese like feta or ricotta cheese with olive oil.
- Place the cheese on a skillet grill (or directly on grates) until slightly browned on both sides, about 1 minute per side.
Step 4: Assembling Figs in Wine With Manouri Cheese
- Arrange your poached figs around your grilled Manouri cheese.
- Spoon some of the spiced wine reduction over figs and cheese to create a glaze.
- Serve grilled Manouri and poached figs with ground cinnamon, a drizzle of thyme honey, and fresh mint as garnish.
Enjoy the heavenly taste of this perfect winter dessert recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions and variations are the heart and soul of cooking. They allow us to show our creativity in the kitchen, using what we have or what we like best. Here are some suggestions to make this recipe even more versatile and delicious:
– Instead of manouri cheese, you can try using fresh goat cheese or feta cheese for a tangy twist.
– For a vegan version of this recipe, skip the cheese altogether and serve the figs on their own or with a vegan cheese substitute.
– You can also experiment with different kinds of wine, such as sweet port or rich sherry, to create your own unique flavor combinations.
– If you can’t find fresh thyme honey, use regular honey and add some fresh thyme leaves to the wine mixture for extra aroma and flavor.
– Try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon to the poaching liquid for some warmth and depth, or sprinkle some over the grilled cheese for an added aroma boost.
– For a savory version of this recipe, serve the figs with some prosciutto or cured meat slices instead of cheese, or try making them as a topping for crostini or bruschetta with some fig jam.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to substitutions and variations. Play around with different ingredients and flavors until you find your perfect combination. Just remember to keep the star of this recipe at center stage: the deliciously spiced figs in mavrodaphne wine!
Serving and Pairing
Figs in Mavrodaphne wine with Manouri cheese is a deliciously luxurious dessert that is perfect for wowing dinner party guests. This dish pairs well with a variety of warm, winter flavors such as ground cinnamon and thyme honey. It’s also great with a glass of sweet red wine on a chilly evening.
To serve this dish, arrange the spiced figs and grilled Manouri cheese on a plate and drizzle them with thyme honey. Garnish the plate with fresh mint leaves to add a fresh pop of color.
For a more savory twist, serve the Manouri cheese alongside goat cheese crostini topped with fig jam. The sweet and salty combination is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
This vegetarian recipe is perfect for green figs poached in Mavrodaphne wine. The grilled Manouri cheese complements the dish quite well, adding creamy richness that balances out the sweetness of the figs.
Figs in Mavrodaphne wine with Manouri cheese is a traditional Greek dessert, often served in upscale tavernas in Athens. The dish has become increasingly popular throughout Greece and beyond, as it embodies rich cultural and historical heritage.
Whether you’re enjoying this delightful winter dessert recipe at home or entertaining dinner guests, Figs in Mavrodaphne wine with Manouri cheese makes for an impressive and unforgettable experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead options, this recipe is the perfect contender for your winter dessert party. Poach the figs in mavrodaphne wine in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before your event. The longer they soak, the bolder and more flavorful they become, so feel free to create them a week ahead of time.
If you have leftovers, store the figs with their wine in an airtight container in the fridge. The wine creates a preserve-like quality that perfectly preserves the flavor and texture of the fruit. When you’re ready to serve them again, gently reheat the figs and their liquid over low heat until warm.
Another unique way to enjoy the spiced figs is by pairing them with goat cheese crostini or as a topping for bruschetta. Use any leftover figs or wine as a base for a toothsome greek dessert or spread like tyrokafteri or fig jam.
This recipe is versatile and can be made in many variations. Substitute fresh figs with dried calimyrna figs, and grill your manouri cheese instead of serving it cold for an elevated experience. Experimentation is key!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the best possible outcome when making Figs in Mavrodaphne Wine with Manouri Cheese, I have a few tips to share that will help you achieve perfect results every time.
Firstly, it’s important to use fresh figs whenever possible. While dried figs are certainly acceptable and delicious in this recipe, using fresh figs will add a whole new dimension to the dish with its juiciness and natural sweetness. If fresh figs are not in season or not available, opt for high-quality dried Calimyrna figs.
Another important tip is to poach the figs in the wine mixture long enough for the flavors to truly come together but not so long that they become mushy. Be sure to keep a close eye on them during the cooking process and remove them from the heat as soon as they are tender enough without losing their shape.
In addition to this, I recommend using high-quality Mavrodaphne wine as it is an essential ingredient that lends a unique taste profile to the recipe. You can substitute it with any sweet red wine, but using Mavrodaphne wine will truly enhance the flavors of your dish.
Lastly, do not overcook the Manouri cheese. Grilling or sautéing it for 1-2 minutes per side until it has grill marks is enough.
By following these simple tips, you can take your Figs in Mavrodaphne Wine with Manouri Cheese dish to the next level and impress your guests at any dinner party or gathering!
FAQ
As we wrap up with the recipe, you may still have a few questions in your mind. Therefore, I’ve put together some frequently asked questions to help you navigate any uncertainties regarding this Figs in Mavrodaphne Wine with Manouri Cheese Recipe.
What wine goes best with figs and cheese?
Sparkling wine, particularly Champagne, is an incredibly versatile wine that can pair well with a wide range of cheeses, from delicate and mild goat cheeses to pungent and sharp blues. When enjoyed with the sweetness of fig spread, Champagne becomes a multi-purpose wine that can cater to different tastes and preferences. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife of wines that can deliver a range of flavors and sensations.
What wines pair with figs?
Wines such as Prosecco and Pino Grigio are a perfect match for peak-fresh figs.
What cheese goes best with figs?
When it comes to accompaniments for cheese, plump and fresh figs serve as a versatile fruit. They make for a great pairing with a range of cheeses such as the tangy and crumbly stilton to the smooth and creamy brie.
Do figs go with wine?
Figs are a versatile food that pairs well with various types of wine, ranging from Rosé to Nebbiolo.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this figs in Mavrodaphne wine with Manouri cheese recipe is the perfect winter dessert for those looking for something sweet, savory, and unique. With its combination of sweet and spiced figs poached in a sweet red wine sauce, grilled Manouri cheese, and fresh mint garnish, it’s no wonder this recipe is popular in many upscale tavernas in Athens.
If you’re looking to impress your guests with a vegetarian recipe that looks and tastes outstanding, then look no further than this recipe. Not only does it pair well with goat cheese crostini or fig jam, but it also goes well on its own.
You can use dried or fresh figs, making it a versatile choice. And the best part about this recipe? It’s easy to make and customize according to your taste preferences. You can even substitute Manouri cheese with another type of cheese if you’d like!
So why not give this recipe a try today? Whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or impress your guests with something unique and flavorful, this figs in Mavrodaphne wine with Manouri cheese recipe is the perfect choice.
Figs in Mavrodaphne Wine With Manouri Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dried calimyrna figs (Greek)
- 2/3 cup mavrodaphne wine (or any sweet, red, dessert wine)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 -4 whole cloves
- 1/2 cup greek thyme honey
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh manouri cheese (fresh ricotta could be used)
- of fresh mint (to garnish)
- greek thyme honey (to garnish)
- ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Place the figs in a wide saucepan and cover with hot water.
- Soak them for 1 hour.
- Pour in the Mavrodaphne wine and the spices.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the figs are very plump and tender.
- Remove the fruit with a slotted spoon, and strain the poaching liquid, discarding the spices and any seeds that may have leaked out from the figs.
- Return the poaching liquid to the pot, add honey, and boil until reduced and thick and the consistency of syrup, about 5-7 minutes.
- Slice the manouri cheese into 1/2-inch rounds, carefully so as to keep the pieces intact.
- Place the cheese slices in one overlapping row on a large platter.
- Place the poached figs evenly over them and pour over the syrup.
- Serve immediately, garnish with mint and a discreet pinch of ground cinnamon, if desired.