MEMORIES OF MACEDONIA ~ SLATKO OD SMOKVI (Green Fig Preserve)

fresh figs

🥗Healthier: dried figs

💰Cheaper: canned figs

Dried figs provide a similar flavor with longer shelf life.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds a natural sweetness with distinct flavor.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: vanilla bean

💰Cheaper: imitation vanilla

Vanilla bean enhances flavor naturally.

cinnamon stick

🥗Healthier: cinnamon powder

💰Cheaper: none

Cinnamon powder is more accessible and easy to use.

Wash fresh figs under cool water to remove the milky substance.

Cut off the stem ends of the figs.

Fill a pot with figs and add lemon to the bottom.

Boil the figs, then drain and clean out the lemon and any seeds.

Repeat the boiling process up to 10 times until figs are soft and no longer bitter.

Prepare a syrup using 8 cups of sugar and 9 cups of water, dissolving until clear.

Add a pinch of dried cloves to the syrup and bring to a rolling boil.

Slowly add the figs back into the syrup and bring to a boil again.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for an hour.

Remove the figs with a slotted spoon into jars and fill with syrup.

Let cool before sealing jars.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary