Ingredients
- 8 ripe but firm figs (the “Lady’s Neck” variety is ideal)
- 60g of Viruteo Iberian ham shavings
- 80g of goat cheese log (or cream cheese for a milder flavor)
- Flower honey (or thyme honey for a more rustic touch)
- Chopped walnuts (optional, for a crunchy touch)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Step by step
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Preparing the figs:
Wash the figs carefully and dry them well. Cut off the top stem and make a deep cross-shaped (X) cut from the top, stopping before reaching the base so as not to separate them completely. Gently press the bottom with your fingers so that the fig’s “flower” opens naturally. -
To fill:
Cut small pieces of goat cheese and place one in the open center of each fig. Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper directly on top of the cheese. -
The roasting:
Arrange the figs in an ovenproof dish so they are stable. Bake them at 200°C for about 5-7 minutes. The aim is for the fruit to warm through and the cheese to begin softening and lightly browning around the edges. -
Add the ham:
Remove the figs from the oven. Immediately afterward, scatter the shavings of Iberian ham over the warm cheese. The residual heat from the roasting will temper the ham’s fat, causing it to sweat and release its essential aromas, without altering its raw texture. -
To finish:
Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top for a crunchy contrast and drizzle a thin stream of honey over each fig just before serving. Serve the dish warm.
Chef’s tip: If the figs have very thick skin, you can lightly peel just the top half before opening them. For a formal event, this treat works wonderfully served on thin slices of toasted raisin bread.
