Decadent Figs in Red Wine Syrup Recipe
Indulging in a sweet, fruity dessert is the perfect way to end a meal. Fig lovers, rejoice! I have an easy and delicious recipe for fresh figs in wine syrup that will leave you and your guests feeling satisfied and happy.
Using just a few simple ingredients, this recipe produces poached figs in a red wine sauce with hints of warm spices like whole black peppercorns and star anise. The addition of lemon zest brightens up the dish and provides balance to the sweetness of the figs.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it is also incredibly versatile. You can serve these poached figs on their own, or pair them with ice cream or panna cotta for an elevated dessert experience. The syrup can even be used to make a delicious cocktail or as a topping for breakfast pancakes.
So why not add this recipe to your repertoire? Impress your guests with this gourmet dessert that is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that is effortless to make yet delicately decadent, look no further than this figs in wine syrup recipe. This recipe guarantees an alluring and beguiling dessert that can elevate your dinner party or make for a luxurious solo indulgence.
With its perfect balance of juicy and tender figs nestled in a simmered pool of wine syrup, this dish offers a tantalizingly sweet bite with a hint of tanginess. Each burst of flavor will leave you enchanted and brimming with culinary delight.
But don’t just take my word for it; there are many reasons you’ll love this recipe!
Firstly, it’s an elegant dessert without much effort. The recipe is surprisingly easy, and the result is gorgeously beautiful. The drizzle and luster of the red wine syrup enforce an aura of luxury and high-class sophistication, making it a perfect ending to your gourmet dinner party.
Secondly, it’s versatile – you can make this using fresh figs or dried ones. If you have vanilla bean or cinnamon or any other spices in your pantry, experiment by using those too. You can also substitute honey with sugar or agave nectar to customize according to your taste buds.
Thirdly, it makes an excellent pairing with a wide spectrum of desserts such as creamy panna cotta or vibrant roasted figs. The combination of sweet figs soaked in potent wine juice merging with an indulgent dessert like ice cream offers an explosion of flavors that is sure to transport you to food heaven.
Lastly, it’s a perfect dessert choice both for small dinners and large parties since you could cook up one big batch that can feed even larger groups of people. Whether you are cooking for yourself or the entire family, this recipe offers something special that everyone will undoubtedly love!
All these reasons come together to make this figs in wine syrup recipe something altogether outstanding in its beauty, ease, versatility, and deliciousness. Make sure that the ingredients for this stunning dessert recipe are always in your pantry!
Ingredient List
Fresh figs, red wine, and granulated sugar form the base of this indulgent figs in wine syrup recipe. Along with these three main ingredients, you will need whole black peppercorns, star anise, lemon zest, and a few other pantry staples to make this simple yet impressive dessert. The recipe also includes a list of substitutions and variations for those who wish to experiment with different types of wines or spices. Whether you’re making it for a dinner party or just a cozy night at home, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Recipe How-To
Ingredients
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 lbs fresh figs (about 16 – 18)
- 1 lemon, zest of
- 5 whole black peppercorns
- 1 star anise
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of red wine, 1 cup of granulated sugar and the lemon zest. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
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Add the whole black peppercorns and star anise to the mixture.
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Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved.
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Reduce the heat to low and add the fresh figs.
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Simmer the figs covered for about 10 minutes or until they are tender but not falling apart.
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Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the figs to a plate or bowl.
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Increase the heat to medium-high, then simmer uncovered until the wine sauce has reduced to a syrup, for about 10 minutes.
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Remove from heat and allow it to cool down completely.
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Once cooled, pour the syrup over the figs.
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Serve warm or chilled with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top, if desired.
Substitutions and Variations
While figs in wine syrup is already a delicious dessert option, there are many ways to switch things up and tailor the recipe to your liking. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:
1. Dried Figs – If fresh figs aren’t available, dried figs can be used instead. Soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the syrup so that they can absorb some of the flavors.
2. Different Herbs and Spices – While the recipe’s combination of whole black peppercorns, star anise, and lemon zest works perfectly, feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices that appeal to you like cinnamon or nutmeg.
3. White Wine – If you prefer a lighter flavor profile, swap out the red wine for white in both the syrup and poaching liquid. A sweet white wine would work particularly well and could complement the figs’ natural sweetness.
4. Sous Vide – For an extra special touch, try making sous vide figs poached in wine. This technique will get you consistently tender and perfectly cooked figs every time.
5. Shiraz Syrup – Substitute red wine for Shiraz and add some cinnamon to make a Shiraz syrup that will impart a deeper, smokier flavor.
With these variations in mind, you can make this dish truly your own by adapting it to fit your personal preferences or your dinner party’s theme.
Serving and Pairing
Figs in wine syrup is a classic dessert that can be served in many ways. This recipe produces tender, sweet figs that would pair well with a variety of cheese courses or vanilla ice cream. The wine syrup can be spooned over roasted figs, poached red fruits or even used as a simple syrup to sweeten cocktails.
One recommended serving option is to place the figs on a bed of spiced mascarpone and drizzle lightly with honey syrup. The rich, creamy cheese complements the sweetness of the figs and the warm flavors of the spices really bring out the complexity in the wine sauce.
Another great pairing for this recipe is a charcuterie board, complete with robust cheeses and cured meats. The bold flavors in this dish can stand up to strong cheeses like blue cheese or sharp cheddar, while thinly sliced prosciutto or salami adds an extra burst of flavor.
For those who enjoy dessert wines, this dish pairs beautifully with a deep, jammy Shiraz or even a fortified Port. The rich fruit flavors in both wines complement the figs perfectly, while also balancing out the sweetness of this dish.
Overall, Figs in wine syrup has an incredible depth and richness that makes it an ideal dessert for special occasions. Whether you choose to serve it alongside cheese for a sophisticated appetizer or as part of your favorite gourmet duck breast recipe for dinner, you’re sure to impress even the most discerning palate with this knockout dish!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This figs in wine syrup recipe is a great make-ahead option for entertaining guests or for a special occasion. The poached figs can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
To store the poached figs, transfer them into an airtight container with enough wine syrup to cover them completely. Make sure to also add any spices, such as star anise and whole black peppercorns, for extra flavor. The figs can be refrigerated for up to two days.
To reheat the poached figs, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stove with their wine syrup until they are heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause them to become mushy.
If you have leftover wine syrup, it can be stored in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. This syrup is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many other recipes, including cocktails, salad dressings, and desserts.
Overall, this figs in wine syrup recipe is a great option for those who want an easy-to-make, make-ahead dessert that is both delicious and impressive.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve a perfect result when making Figs in Wine Syrup, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. Here are some of my suggestions:
Firstly, make sure that you choose only the best quality fresh figs. They should be ripe but still firm and not too soft. If you can’t find fresh figs, you can use dried ones, but keep in mind that they will have a more intense flavor and may be sweeter.
When preparing your spiced wine syrup, be sure to follow the recipe closely and measure all ingredients precisely. The spices add a wonderful depth of flavor to this dish, but too much of any one spice can overpower the others.
When simmering the figs in wine and honey, be sure to use a wide saucepan or skillet to allow the figs to cook evenly and soak up as much flavor as possible from the syrup. If necessary, add more liquid to the pan, so that the figs are mostly covered by the syrup.
Be patient when simmering your figs in wine – it takes time for them to fully absorb the flavors of the spices and wine. Don’t rush this step and let them simmer until they are soft enough to pierce easily with a fork.
If you’re a fan of sous vide cooking, try cooking your figs in their wine syrup using this method for an extra tender result. Preheat your sous vide machine to 167°F (75°C) and cook for around 1-2 hours. This results in a perfectly cooked fig that has absorbed all of the flavors from your wine sauce.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of this recipe – substitute different types of wine or spices for a unique twist on this classic dish. Just remember to always taste and adjust seasoning along the way!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this recipe for Figs in Wine Syrup is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dessert game. The combination of fresh figs with the spiced wine syrup creates a truly decadent and sophisticated dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Not only is this recipe versatile with many substitutions and variations, but it is also easy to make ahead, store, and reheat. Plus, the tips provided ensure that you can achieve perfect results every time.
As a sommelier, I highly recommend serving these poached figs with a sweet white wine, mulled wine or even port wine on the side. And don’t forget to save some of the wine syrup to drizzle over ice cream or use as a simple syrup in other desserts!
Overall, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth and impress those around the table. So why not give it a try for your next dinner party or special occasion? You won’t regret it!
Figs in Wine Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups red wine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 lemon, juice of
- 1 lemon, zest of
- 3 whole star anise
- 8 whole black peppercorns
- 5 whole juniper berries
- 12 ripe fresh figs, washed and stemmed
Instructions
- Place the wine, sugar, lemon zest and juice, and spices in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer until reduced by half, about 1/2 hour. It should have a syrupy consistency.
- Cut an X into the tops of the figs. If they vary in size, cut the larger ones into pieces about the size of the smaller ones.
- Add the figs to the hot reduced wine syrup and let cool before serving. If refrigerated, bring them up to room temperature before serving.