Happy Valentine’s weekend! This year, I’m making baked figs with honey, yogurt, and vanilla to celebrate. I’m skipping sugary desserts like Bakewell tart for something light and heart-healthy. Let’s make Valentine’s Day a little sweeter—and smarter.
Contents
Baked figs with honey and yogurt recipe
Figs are a luxurious food from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. They have been enjoyed for thousands of years due to their benefits. Figs are high in fiber and potassium. They aid digestion and lower blood pressure. These fruits are often roasted in the oven and paired with honey, cheese, nuts, or balsamic vinegar.
Baked figs are often paired with mascarpone cheese or goat cheese. But the rich velvety taste of these cheeses comes with a lot of cholesterol. So I decided to do a more heart-healthy recipe with low-fat Greek yogurt. It has a similarly decadent texture but is good for you.
I also added vanilla seeds to the yogurt and a small drizzle of honey to the figs. The result is a little, light, and healthy dessert. Here is how to bake figs in the oven:
Baked figs with honey, yogurt, and vanilla
Ingredients
- 4 baby figs
- 150 ml low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp honey
- Seeds from ½ a vanilla pod
Instructions
- Cut the figs in half, then slice down the middle of each half without completely separating.
- Place on an oven tray and drizzle with ½ tsp of honey.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 180℃ for 15–20 mins, until the figs have softened and have started to release their juices.
- In the meantime, mix the seeds from the vanilla pod with the Greek yogurt.
- Serve the warm, baked figs with the yogurt and an extra drizzle of honey.
Notes
Nutrition
Pairing suggestions
Here are some excellent pairings for baked figs with honey and yogurt:
- Drink Pairings
- Cappuccino complements the yogurt’s richness.
- Espresso contrasts sweet figs and yogurt.
- Herbal tea contrasts the rich flavors of the dish.
- Sparkling water cleanses the palate.
- Dessert wine enhances the sweetness of figs.
- Adnams Greek Wine pairs with figs and yogurt.
- Complementary Foods
- Walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Granola adds crunch and sweetness to the dish.
- Fresh fruits add freshness and acidity to balance sweetness.
- Mint adds freshness; rosemary provides savory contrast.
- Soft cheeses add creaminess and tanginess.
- Lemon zest adds brightness to the dish.
- Baked figs complement oatmeal or porridge.
Variations
Baked figs can be prepared in various delightful ways. Each brings a unique flavor profile and presentation. Here are some popular variations:
- Roasted Figs with Honey and Rosemary: Figs are sliced in half and roasted with honey and rosemary. The preparation is served warm and can be paired with cheese or yogurt.
- Honey and Walnut Figs: Figs are sliced open, filled with chopped walnuts, and drizzled with honey. Lemon zest and sea salt enhance the flavor. The result is a sweet nutty dish. It can be served as an appetizer or dessert.
- Stuffed Figs with Cheese: Figs are stuffed with creamy cheeses like blue cheese or goat cheese. They’re baked until the cheese melts. This savory-sweet combination is topped with nuts and honey. The dish is served as a sophisticated appetizer.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs: Figs are wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with gorgonzola cheese. The prosciutto contrasts with the sweetness of figs for a balanced flavor. The flavor is both rich and satisfying.
- Baked Figs on Bruschetta: Figs are baked and served on slices of rustic bread. The bread is topped with goat cheese and walnuts. This combination is great for gatherings.
