Figs in Red Wine, Honey, and Cinnamon Sauce

Here is the recipe for figs in red wine, honey, and cinnamon sauce, a delicious dessert that combines the natural sweetness of the fruit with the intense flavors of wine and spices.

Ingredients

• 8 fresh figs
• 250 ml of good quality red wine
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Zest of 1 untreated orange
• 1 clove (optional)
• 1 star anise (optional)

Preparation

1. Gently wash the figs and dry them. If you prefer, you can score the top of the figs with a shallow cross.
2. Choose a pot large enough to contain all the figs in a single layer. In this pot, pour the red wine and add the honey, stirring to dissolve it.
3. Add the cinnamon stick, orange zest, clove, and star anise to the pot.
4. Bring to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat. Allow the liquid to warm up and start to release the aromas of the spices for about 5 minutes.
5. Carefully place the figs in the pot. Ensure they are almost completely covered by the liquid.
6. Cook on a low heat for about 15-20 minutes. The figs will be ready when they are tender but still able to hold their shape.
7. Remove the figs from the liquid and place them on a serving dish.
8. Continue boiling the liquid until it reduces and becomes slightly syrupy.
9. Pour the hot red wine sauce over the figs. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Curiosity

This dish has its roots in European culinary tradition where wine, honey, and spices were used not only for flavoring food but also for their alleged health properties. Serving warm figs in the colder months is a great way to warm up with a dessert that is a small luxury in its own right.

Enjoy your meal!