Black Mission Figs with Butter & Sesame

There are few fruits quite as glorious as a ripe black mission fig. Historians believe that figs are as old as humankind and the drought resistant fig tree is one of the first plants to be cultivated during ancient times. While one can prepare jams and chutneys from fresh figs, this often does injustice to their ripe beauty. The best way to enjoy a fig is as a dessert, simply sliced and drizzled with honey or chocolate or as an appetizer with minimal seasoning. Here are figs dipped in melted butter and rolled in sesame seeds and nuts. The butter can be seasoned with salt, red chile or finely minced herbs of your choice. This recipe may be simple but biting into this luscious buttery sesame crusted fig is a luxurious experience. Just eat it as it or place it on warm toast or over marinated greens.

Share this recipe

Cook Time

30 Minutes + refrigeration time

Serves

6

Directions

Step 1

Cut the figs in half – leave the smaller one’s whole.

Step 2

Pour the melted butter in a small deep bowl. Add the salt and chile powder. Let the butter cool a little so it coats the figs nicely.

Step 3

In a separate small bowl, combine the sesame seeds and pine nuts.

Step 4

Dip each fig in the butter and then the sesame mixture and place on a parchment paper lined plate. Repeat with the rest of the figs. Refrigerate the figs until ready to eat.

Notes & Variations

The salt and chile in the butter will sink to the bottom so keep stirring it as you dip the figs.
The figs will keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days but no longer.
You will have melted butter and buttery sesame and nut mixture left over. Spread it over toast or add it to cooked rice or pasta.

Ingredients

12 ripe figs (approximately 12 to 14 oz total)

1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter

Dash of salt and red chile powder

1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds

1/2 cup toasted pine nuts