Last Updated on December 13, 2023
Are you looking for a tasty and healthy recipe that will make your family smile?
Then this Mediterranean fig and walnut jam recipe is perfect for you! This jam is full of flavor and nutrition and it’s surprisingly easy to make. In this article, we will discuss what is Mediterranean fig and walnut jam, why you’ll love it, the ingredients, directions, notes, storage tips, nutrition information, serving suggestions, what other substitutes can you use and other frequently asked questions.
What is Mediterranean Fig and Walnut Jam Recipe?
Mediterranean fig and walnut jam is a delicious jam made with fresh figs, walnuts, honey, and spices. The combination of these four ingredients creates a sweet and savory jam that can be enjoyed as a topping on toast, crackers, or even used as a filling for desserts like cakes and pastries. It’s also a great addition to cheese boards and charcuterie platters.
Unlike other jams, this recipe doesn’t require pectin or any other stabilizing ingredient. The walnuts give it a creamy texture and the figs provide plenty of natural sweetness, making it a great choice for those who are trying to reduce their sugar intake.
Why You’ll Love this Mediterranean Fig and Walnut Jam Recipe?
This Mediterranean fig and walnut jam recipe is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. For instance, you can spread it on toast, use it as a filling for cakes and pastries, or even as a topping for cheese boards and charcuterie platters. It’s also a healthy alternative to store-bought jams that are usually loaded with sugar and preservatives.
The combination of figs and walnuts in this recipe creates a unique flavor that is sweet, savory, and nutty all at the same time. The figs provide natural sweetness while the walnuts add a nutty flavor and creamy texture. This jam is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
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The Ingredients
- 1.875 cups of crystal-clear spring water: The pure water serves as the base for the jam, contributing to the overall texture and ensuring that the flavors of the other ingredients are well-balanced.
- 2.5 cups of premium English walnuts: Walnuts add a rich, nutty flavor and a delightful crunch to the jam. They also contribute healthy fats and proteins, enhancing the nutritional profile.
- 5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed organic lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright and citrusy element to the jam, balancing the sweetness of the figs and sugar. It also acts as a natural pectin source, helping the jam set properly.
- 0.155 teaspoon of aromatic ground cardamom: Ground cardamom introduces a warm and aromatic spice to the jam, complementing the sweetness of the figs. It adds a layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
- 1.25 cups of golden, fine-grain granulated sugar: Sugar is a key ingredient in jam-making, providing sweetness and acting as a preservative. It also helps the jam achieve the desired consistency and texture.
- 6.25 cups of luscious Turkish figs: Figs are the star ingredient, bringing a naturally sweet and jammy texture to the recipe. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making the jam both delicious and nutritious.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Figs and Walnuts
- Start by washing the Turkish figs thoroughly and ensure they are completely dry.
- Remove the stems from the figs and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Coarsely chop the premium English walnuts.
Step 2: Combine Water, Lemon Juice, and Sugar
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine crystal-clear spring water, freshly squeezed organic lemon juice, and golden, fine-grain granulated sugar.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Add Figs and Walnuts
- Once the sugar has dissolved, add the chopped Turkish figs and coarsely chopped English walnuts to the saucepan.
- Stir well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add Cardamom
- Sprinkle the aromatic ground cardamom into the simmering mixture.
- Stir well to incorporate the cardamom flavor throughout the jam.
Step 6: Simmer Until Thickened
- Allow the jam to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. This process may take around 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
Step 7: Check Consistency
- To test the consistency, place a small amount of the jam on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when touched, it’s ready. If not, continue simmering and test again after a few minutes.
Step 8: Remove from Heat
- Once the jam reaches the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from heat.
Step 9: Cool and Store
- Allow the Mediterranean Fig and Walnut Jam to cool in the saucepan.
- Once cooled, transfer the jam into sterilized jars and seal them tightly.
Step 10: Enjoy
- This delightful jam is delicious served on toast, with cheese, or as a condiment for various dishes.
- Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean Fig and Walnut Jam!
Notes
– Be sure to use fresh figs for this recipe. Dried figs will not work.
– You can add more or less honey to taste.
– If you don’t have a food processor or blender, you can mash the figs and walnuts with a masher or fork.
– Be careful not to overprocess the jam. You want it to be a bit chunky, not completely smooth.
– You can also use a hand mixer to mix the ingredients together.
Storage Tips
This Mediterranean fig and walnut jam should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
Nutrition Information
This Mediterranean fig and walnut jam is a great source of dietary fiber, healthy fats, and other key nutrients. Each serving contains:
Serving Suggestions
– Spread on toast or crackers
– Use as a filling for cakes and pastries
– Serve with cheese and charcuterie platters
– Add to yogurt or oatmeal
– Spread on pancakes or waffles
– Use as a topping for ice cream
What other Substitutes Can I Use in Mediterranean Fig and Walnut Jam?
- Dates: Dates are a great substitute for figs in this recipe. They have a similar texture and sweetness, so they will work just as well.
- Almonds: If you don’t have walnuts, you can use almonds instead. They have a slightly different flavor but will still work in this recipe.
- Maple syrup: If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup instead. It has a slightly different flavor but will still work just as well.
- Dried fruit: You can also use dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots instead of fresh figs.
- Spices: You can use any type of spices you like in this recipe. Popular choices include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
Ingredients
- 1.875 cups of crystal-clear spring water
- 0.155 teaspoon of aromatic ground cardamom
- 2.5 cups of premium English walnuts
- 1.25 cups of golden fine-grain granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed organic lemon juice
- 6.25 cups of luscious Turkish figs
Instructions
Prep the Figs and Walnuts:
- Wash and dry the Turkish figs thoroughly. Remove the stems and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Coarsely chop the premium English walnuts.
Combine Water, Lemon Juice, and Sugar:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the crystal-clear spring water, freshly squeezed organic lemon juice, and golden, fine-grain granulated sugar.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add Figs and Walnuts:
- Once the sugar has dissolved, add the chopped Turkish figs and coarsely chopped English walnuts to the saucepan.
- Stir well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
Bring to a Boil:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Add Cardamom:
- Sprinkle the aromatic ground cardamom into the simmering mixture.
- Stir well to incorporate the cardamom flavor throughout the jam.
Simmer Until Thickened:
- Allow the jam to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. This process may take around 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
Check Consistency:
- To test the consistency, place a small amount of the jam on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when touched, it’s ready. If not, continue simmering and test again after a few minutes.
Remove from Heat:
- Once the jam reaches the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from heat.
Cool and Store:
- Allow the Mediterranean Fig and Walnut Jam to cool in the saucepan.
- Once cooled, transfer the jam into sterilized jars and seal them tightly.
Enjoy:
- This jam is delicious served on toast, with cheese, or as a condiment for various dishes. Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean Fig and Walnut Jam!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mediterranean fig and walnut jam healthy?
Yes, this jam is a great source of dietary fiber, healthy fats, and other key nutrients.
Can I freeze this jam?
Yes, you can freeze this jam for up to three months.
Can I use dried figs instead of fresh figs?
No, you should only use fresh figs for this recipe. Dried figs won’t work.
Does this jam need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you should store this jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?
Yes, you can use other sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean fig and walnut jam is a delicious and healthy recipe that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. It’s easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.
Plus, it can be used in a variety of dishes, from toast and crackers to cakes and pastries. Try this recipe today and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this jam.