Common fig trees are originally native to the Middle East and Western Asia but played an important role in the religious history and mythology of many civilizations throughout the ages.
The Romans worshipped the fig tree because legend has it that the manger of Romulus and Remus got caught on the branches of a fig tree where Rome would later rise. The Chinese believed that figs were inhabited by spirits. The fig is the first plant species whose name is mentioned in the Bible as ‘supplier of the fig leaves with which Adam and Eve covered their nakedness’ in the Garden of Eden. One thing is for sure: the Garden of Eden definitely wasn’t in Cala Estreta. Not too many fig leaves in use there!
Although the sticky fruit of the fig tree is not, strictly speaking, a fruit, humans have always considered it as such. There are lots of recipes using the “fruit” of the fig and this one is one of the easiest that anyone can try. It takes almost no time at all and the ingredients are all easily found here in Spain.
To make Spanish fig and almond balls you will need:
Ingredients (6-8 fig balls):
- 100g toasted whole almonds
- 500g pack of dried whole figs
- 85g pack of dried apricots
- 50g pack of dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon of brandy
- 1 tablespoon of clear honey
- 1 tablespoon of ground cloves
- 100g toasted sesame seeds, for coating
- 1-2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut, for coating
Preparation:
- Remove the hard stalk the centre of the base of the figs, and then roughly chop the figs
- Place into a food processor and blitz until you have a sticky paste
- Set aside in a large mixing bowl
- Place the almonds into the food processor and whizz until finely chopped
- Mix the chopped almonds with the sticky fig paste in the bowl
- Chop the apricots into small pieces and add to the mix
- Add the dried cranberries, honey and brandy and mix the whole lot together well
- Once mixed, divide the mixture into 6 or 8 equal parts and roll into balls
- Mix the sesame seeds and shredded coconut on a tray
- Roll each ball on the tray until covered
- Cover the tray with a clean tea towel and leave the fig balls to dry
Check out our other recipes for Mediterranean dishes to try at home.
