Secret Shortcut Fig Jam

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(Note: this post was originally published on November 25, 2019. The date above reflects migration to the new platform, at which point the photos were also updated.)

A Very Secret Shortcut

Okay, confession time. I have a secret to share about fig jam. It's one of those things that looks so fancy and hard to make, but I have a shortcut. Soon you'll be putting fig jam on everything, just like me!

My shortcut: use dried figs instead of fresh. Yes, I know, it's so naughty! But using dried figs is (1) cheaper, (2) way faster, and (3) doesn't require you to find fresh ones, which can be really difficult in certain regions and seasons. This fig jam comes together in about 15 minutes and uses exactly one pot and a blender. It's almost absurdly easy.

As a huge added benefit, dried figs of course contain far less moisture, meaning that you need zero added sweeteners or pectin to bring your jam together. Even better, I find that jam made with dried figs is significantly more flavorful than jam made with fresh figs. This one is really a major win all around.

Bowl of fig jam, shown with cheese and crackers

Fig Jam Belongs on Everything!

Homemade fig jam is something I have in the fridge at absolutely all times. A few of my favorite uses:

  • Put it on a snack board. The sweetness is lovely, and figs pair so well with savory snacks.
  • Add it to salad dressings. It bulks up the dressing without the need for oils or added sweeteners. See the photo below for salad inspiration!
  • Stir it into unsweetened yogurt. It provides huge flavor with zero added sugar, except the naturally-occurring sugars in the figs themselves.
  • Stir it into oatmeal.
  • Spread it on your favorite sandwich. It's awesome with anything salty.
  • Dollop it on pizza. Figs especially love Italian and autumnal flavors. Make sure to check out my magical chick pea flour pizza crust too!
  • Use it in cocktails. It's a fun and unexpected addition to fall-appropriate gin and bourbon drinks; just make sure to strain well to get rid of the seeds.

Fig jam next to a fig salad

Let's Talk Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for this recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

  • Dried figs. Any kind will work, but I like using the big, white Turkish figs best. I usually work with about two cups at once, but you can easily scale up or down.
  • Water
  • Sea salt
  • Bourbon. Optional but highly recommended, it takes your fig jam from tasty to magical. You'll just use a splash and will cook off all the alcohol.
  • Optional add-ins. Most of the time I just let the figs shine. But I'll occasionally add vanilla (delicious in yogurt, not recommended for savory applications) or herbs (something hearty like thyme or rosemary) or lemon zest. Think about your intended application and season accordingly. If you make any fun variations, please share them in the comments section below!

Bowl of fig jam

Closing Thoughts

Fig jam has become one of those things that's ALWAYS in our fridge. It's so easy to make and so useful. We use it at least a few times a week for flavoring yogurt or adding to salad dressings. It's also a great homemade gift, so don't hesitate to make a big batch and share it with everyone you know. Just remember to keep your jam in the fridge (or freezer) since this recipe isn't designed for canning.

What are you waiting for? All this quick recipe takes is a short boil and then a thorough blending. No fussing, no pectin, no sugar, no long waiting, very few dishes to wash. You'll be doing a happy fig dance in no time!

Bowl of fig jam, shown with cheese and crackers

Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

Secret Shortcut Fig Jam

Fig jam is a delightfully earthy and sweet condiment that belongs in and on pretty much anything. This secret shortcut will allow you to make it in no time, with no added sugars or thickeners!

Author:
Lee

Ingredients

  • 2 c dried figs
  • Water
  • Dash of sea salt
  • Optional splash of bourbon
  • Optional flavor add-ins

Instructions

  1. For each fig, cut off the woody part of the stem, then cut the fig into quarters.
  2. Put your figs in a small pot and just barely cover them with water. Remember that you can always add more water later but you can't take it away (at least not easily), so err on the side of too little.
  3. Add a dash of sea salt and a (optional) splash of bourbon.
  4. Bring your mixture to a boil, then simmer it for about 15 minutes. Add more water as needed to keep the bottom of the pan covered and the figs moist.
  5. Transfer your mixture to a blender and blend it all thoroughly. If you want to add any other flavors (e.g. vanilla, lemon zest, etc; see the post text for details) add them now.
  6. Assess your jam and adjust as needed; you can add more water until you achieve a thick but still spreadable consistency.
  7. Store your jam in the fridge or freezer. It will keep in the fridge for a couple weeks, or the freezer for a couple months. Do NOT store this jam in the pantry since this recipe is not meant for canning.

Leave a Comment

Please Share Your Thoughts!

Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.

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Pamela
January 13, 2022
We make this jam all the time with the suggested “splash” of bourbon to make it magical. It has wonderful consistency, it’s not too sweet, and perfect for button cookies!
Amy
November 30, 2021
This is a fantastic recipe! I adore figs but rarely have a chance to get them fresh. Loving that this recipe uses dried figs (which I always have in my pantry)! I never would have thought that making a tasty fig jam was so easy!