8/15/10

Pancetta Wrapped Figs

Pancetta Wrapped Figs

Figs are in season right now and lately, every time I go to the market I see them and think they look so beautiful and delicate that I must find a way to work them into a meal even though my husband is not a fan of them.

This is easy and can be done 'just for me' as a small plate or a quick snack. The salty pancetta with the creamy fig is a delicious and complementary pairing. This would be great served as an appetizer when you have guests over, too, as the presentation is beautiful. This dish's elegance belies its simplicity in preparation.

Serves 1 (as an appetizer)

Ingredients:
2 figs
2 slices pancetta, thinly sliced (almost shaved)

Wrap each fig with one slice of pancetta. Place in non-stick skillet heated to medium-high and saute each side until pancetta is crispy.


Pancetta is often referred to as "Italian bacon". It's Italian pork belly that has been salt cured and air dried and it comes in a long cylinder shape. Most deli counters carry it and you can ask them to shave the number of slices you'd like. Gelson's in Newport Beach, CA carries an imported pre-packaged version in their refrigerated section as well.

6 comments:

  1. Looks great! Figs are supposed to be in season right now and I had a recipe for them yesterday..only to find out they were not at the famers market, or the regular market.. strange?

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  2. Hi Amber - Thanks! and yeah, that's strange :-/ they've been in the markets down here in Southern Ca for almost a month now!

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  3. This is great! Our neighbors have a big tree in their back yard FULL of them. I may try this one... as I haven't fully convinced myself I like figs whole. My husband does! Would this work with bacon?? do you think it would change the flavor too much?

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  4. Lucky you! We had fig trees when I was growing up and my mom used to make homemade fig newtons :-) I think the bacon would work fine if it's thinly sliced. Also you might need to season the fig a little since bacon is not as salty as pancetta. Let me know how it turns out!

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  5. I love figs and pancetta. I've had this with goat cheese. Have you made this stuffed with goat cheese?

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  6. Hey Christina! I love them stuffed with goat cheese, and also blue cheese, but I haven't yet tried them stuffed then wrapped and sauteed..sounds delicious, though!

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