Authentic Lebanese Dried Fig Jam Recipe
Description
Learn how to make authentic Lebanese Dried Fig Jam (Mraba El Teen) right at home. This traditional, aromatic preserve combines sun-dried figs slow-simmered in a mastic and anise-infused sugar syrup, finished with a crunchy blend of toasted sesame seeds, walnuts, and pine nuts. It is the perfect nostalgic addition to your breakfast table or a holiday cheese board!
Ingredients
- 1 kg / 2 lb 4 oz dried figs stemmed and cut into quarters
- 750 g / 26.5 oz / 3 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 5 cups / 1 250 ml water
- 1 teaspoon citric acid or 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 200 g / 7 oz walnuts roughly chopped
- ½ cup raw pine nuts
- 1 teacup / 200 ml white sesame seeds
- 1 espresso cup / 2 tablespoons anise seeds
- 4 pieces mastic gum crushed with a pinch of sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the sugar syrup. In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, citric acid or lemon juice, and mastic gum. Stir with a wooden spoon and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8 minutes.
- Cook the dried figs. Add the dried figs and anise seeds to the syrup. Simmer uncovered over low heat for 40 minutes, allowing the figs to soften and absorb the aromatic syrup.
- Toast the sesame seeds. Meanwhile, heat a dry pot over medium heat, without adding any oil. Add the sesame seeds and stir regularly with a wooden spoon for 2–3 minutes, or until they begin to turn lightly golden. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool completely.
- Toast the walnuts. In another dry pot over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they begin to turn lightly golden. Toasting enhances their rich, earthy flavor. Remove from the heat and allow them to cool.
- Combine the ingredients. Once the figs have simmered for 40 minutes, add the toasted sesame seeds, toasted walnuts, and raw pine nuts. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the jam. Simmer for another minute, then remove from the heat and allow to cool.
- Transfer to jars and refrigerate. Spoon the Lebanese dried fig jam into clean, sterilized jars and seal tightly. Refrigerate and enjoy as desired.
Notes
Note: To sterilize the jar, place it upside down over a pot of boiling water, allowing the steam to sterilize the inside.
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