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Tuga Pops − Wednesday, September 21, 2016, 10 Years ago in Breakfast Recipes
4 out of 5 with 11 ratings

Popular Fig Jam (Doce de Figo) Recipe

Check out our delicious fig jam! This sweet spread is perfect on warm toast or drizzled over desserts, and you can make it in just under an hour.
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50 min 8 servings Easy Prep time 5 min Cooking Time 45 min

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Get ready to enjoy some homemade fig jam! This sweet and tangy spread is perfect for any occasion. Made with juicy figs, a splash of lemon, and a touch of thyme, it’s bursting with flavor. It’s super easy to whip up and thickens just right. Slather it on toast or serve it with cheese for a tasty treat that feels fancy but is a breeze to make!


Tips for Success

Make sure to use ripe figs for the best flavor; underripe figs can yield a less sweet and more astringent jam. Look for figs that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma.

When adding the lemon juice, consider incorporating lemon zest as well for an extra layer of citrus flavor. The zest contains essential oils that enhance the overall taste of the jam.

Avoid overcooking the jam. Cook it just until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency; this usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture and loss of fresh fig flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the fresh figs with dried figs for this popular fig jam (doce de figo) recipe?

Yes, you can substitute dried figs for fresh figs. However, you'll need to soak the dried figs in warm water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate them before using. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly, and the cooking time may need to be adjusted.

How should I store the fig jam, and how long will it last?

Store the fig jam in a clean, airtight jar in the refrigerator. It will last for up to one month. For longer storage, consider canning the jam using proper canning techniques.

What can I use if I don't have thyme?

If you don't have thyme, you can substitute it with other herbs such as rosemary or basil, which will impart different flavors to the jam. Alternatively, you can omit the herbs entirely for a simpler fig jam.

Recommended Drink Pairings

  • Port Wine: The sweetness of port complements the figs and honey beautifully.
  • Sauvignon Blanc: Its acidity balances the sweetness of the jam and enhances the lemon notes.
  • Ginger Ale: The spiciness of ginger pairs well with the figs and adds a refreshing touch.
  • Chamomile Tea: Its floral notes harmonize with the thyme and figs, creating a soothing experience.
  • Sparkling Water: The bubbles cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing contrast to the jam's sweetness.

Ingredients

1 lemon3/4 cup granulated sugar2 tablespoons honey1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice2 sprigs thyme1 pound ripe fresh Figs, stemmed and quartered

Equipment:

Medium heavy-bottomed saucepanVegetable peelerImmersion blender8-ounce jelly jar

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. For a very thick jam (as shown) simmer for the full 50 minutes. For a looser jam, simmer only for 40 minutes.
  2. Using a vegetable peeler, remove strips of rind from lemon, being careful not to include the white pith as you peel the strips.
  3. Place lemon rind strips and all other ingredients into a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring contents in the saucepan to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 40-50 minutes (*see note above) or until mixture thickens, continuing to stir frequently so the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
  5. Discard thyme stems and lemon peel. Pulse jam with an immersion blender to chop up the fig skins if desired.
  6. Pour into an 8-ounce jelly jar. Keep refrigerated for up to one month.

Adapted from a Recipe by: Martha, Adapted from Cooking Light via MyRecipes.com

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
190 kcal
Fat
0.4 g
Carbs
49.5 g
Protein
1.1 g

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Reviews (7)

Irene Lopes
Irene Lopes
I make fig jam, a recipe I got from my mother, we only use figs, a little lemon juice and a bit of sugar.
My opinion is that the honey and thyme will take away from the natural fig flavor. And as far as the lemon and sugar, definitely too much. Figs, at least my figs, are very sweet naturally, and again too much lemon will overpower the wonderful fig flavor.
3 Years ago, Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Sharon
Sharon
The figs aren't peeled?
3 Years ago, Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Not according to the author Sharon.
3 Years ago, Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Patty
Patty
Can you make it shelf stable?
4 Years ago, Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Hi Patty, this recipe only makes enough for an 8oz jar and you can store it up to 12 months so I think you will be ok.
4 Years ago, Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Cheryl
Cheryl
What colour or type figs do you prefer? Black or green
4 Years ago, Sunday, November 6, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Green figs are sweeter Cheryl, so I like green better, but otherwise they both have the same nutritional content, uses, and health benefits.
4 Years ago, Sunday, November 6, 2022

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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