There’s something very special about fresh figs. With a subtle, syrupy taste they work well in savory or sweet dishes. This honeyed figs with ricotta cheese recipe can be served as a light evening meal or as a dessert.
This no bake Summer dessert is very satisfying, thanks to the intensity of flavor. Although it’s a light dessert that won’t leave you feeling stuffed, it’s one of the best things to make with figs.
Not technically a fruit, but an inverted flower, figs are packed full of nutrients. They’re a great source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium and iron.
Ricotta is a delicious Italian cheese made from whey. The creamy texture works perfectly in this recipe.
When Is Fig Season?
Fig season is a magical time of year when fresh figs abound. Many people may be unaware that fresh figs are only available for a short period during the summer and fall months.
They begin to ripen in late June or early July, depending on your geographic location, and remain fresh through mid-September. During this time, you can find fresh figs in the produce section of supermarkets and farmers markets across the country.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into a fresh ripe fig in its natural environment, you know it’s one of life’s simple yet majestic pleasures!
How to Pick Figs
The most important thing is to use fresh figs for this recipe. Dried figs have their uses – they’re great as a quick snack or with yoghurt.
However, nothing can beat the taste of fresh figs. They’re more filling than dried figs and have a lot less calories.
There are several types of fresh figs including Black Mission figs, with a dark skin and green Kadota figs. Make sure that the figs you pick are free from major blemishes. They should be firm to the touch too.
Health Benefits of Eating Figs
Figs are one of the first plants cultivated by mankind. Both dried and fresh figs have health benefits, being rich in:
- Antioxidants – which mop up free radicals
- Calcium – for bone density
- Fiber – for improved digestive health and lower cholesterol
- Magnesium – for bone strength and muscle function
- Potassium – for optimal blood pressure and heart health
Fig Toppings
We have used chopped walnuts to top this fig recipe. The crunch of the walnuts gives a nice contrast to the softness of the fresh figs.
If you prefer, you can switch out the walnuts for one of these tasty toppings:
- Chopped almonds
- Pecan nuts
- Pistachio nuts
- Shaved chocolate
Substitutes for Ricotta Cheese
If you can’t find fresh ricotta cheese, then you can also use other soft Italian cheeses such as mascarpone. Another option is to use Greek yogurt, although the texture is a lot runnier.
Types of Honey to Use
For the honey, you can use any kind you like – whether clear or set honey but it will be easier to drizzle clear honey over the figs. Dark honey has a more pronounced taste than light honey.
There’s an extra health benefit from using raw honey rather than processed honey. Wildflower honey that is cold extracted, cold filtered and unblended contains many natural proteins and enzymes.
Manuka honey comes from the flower of the tea tree plant. This sweet honey has antibacterial properties and is great for sore throats. Manuka can also improve digestive function.
We also suggest adding some finely chopped fresh mint to the figs for an added flavor boost. The pop of green looks great too!
This fig honey recipe makes a good light dessert. If you like, you can also roast the figs and serve them on top of sweet brioche bread for a more filling option. You could even serve them as part of a leisurely Italian breakfast.
Once you’ve drizzled the sliced figs with honey, serve straight away. It’s not recommended to serve this honey figs dessert the next day.
Here is the five minute honeyed figs recipe and a complete ingredient list.
Honeyed Figs with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Honeyed Figs with Ricotta Cheese
A light Summer dessert that takes only 5 minutes to make.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh ripe figs
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Honey or agave nectar
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint or basil
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, pecans or pistachios
Instructions
- Wash the figs, then make 4 cuts in a cross shape on each fig with a sharp knife from the stem downwards, stopping a 1/4 inch from the bottom.
- Place a large spoonful of ricotta in each fig.
- Finely chop the basil or mint and sprinkle over each fig.
- Drizzle each fig on the top with honey to taste and arrange on a plate.
Notes
For an extra fix of honey, take each fig gently by the sides and dip the bottom into honey.
In Conclusion: Honeyed Figs with Ricotta Cheese
If you’re looking for a quick and tasty appetizer or snack, look no further than these honeyed figs with ricotta cheese. This recipe is sure to please any crowd, and it’s one of the easiest desserts with figs to make.
So what are you waiting for? Give it a try and let us know how it turns out. And if you’re looking for more recipes like this one, be sure to check out our other recipes. We hope you enjoy!
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