Serves: 4–6
INGREDIENTS
Figs
200 grams dried figs
2 tablespoons caster sugar
50 ml clear honey
½ vanilla pod or ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
3 whole star anise
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup water
Pears
3 firm but ripe pears, peeled, halved lengthwise and cored
zest and juice 1 lemon
200 ml water
METHOD
Figs: Trim the stems from the figs and cut them in half. Put the sugar, honey, vanilla, spices and water in a saucepan. Use a little more water if your figs are very dry. Bring to the boil and boil for 5 minutes. Reduce to a simmer then add the figs and simmer for a further 10-12 minutes or until soft. Leave to cool in the liquid.
Pears: Cut each pear half into 4 pieces lengthwise and place in a saucepan. Add the lemon zest, juice and water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes. Add the fig compote to the pan and simmer for a further 5 minutes or until the pears are tender but still holding their shape. Serve warm or cooled with vanilla ice cream.
Cook’s tip: The figs can be poached up to 10 days in advance.
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Issue 128
This winter issue of dish is about comfort and connection. Celebrating the best of New Zealand and Australian produce, it brings together recipes from some of our most-loved chefs, including Moroccan Chicken Soup, Mint-glazed Roasted Leg of Lamb, Slow Cooker Braised Red Wine and Miso White Chocolate Cheesecake. Find plenty to carry you through the colder months, from flaky sausage rolls and mushroom pie, to soul-soothing pasta, nostalgic baking, weekend market inspiration and dinner party menus. There’s a spotlight on the Outstanding Food Producer Awards, recipes from Caroline Griffiths’ Midnight Spaghetti, and a deep dive into the difference between Kiwi syrah and Aussie shiraz.