Sauces & Dressings

Ginger Fig Spread- A Healthy Jam Alternative

Ginger Fig Spread

Use this ginger fig immune-boosting, healthy jam alternative as a compliment to your favorite recipes

This Ginger Fig spread is a healthy jam alternative and is full of immune boosting ingredients. Ginger and figs: two ingredients you probably don’t use often, but together make a healthy jam alternative. This simple recipe will spread  layers of nutrients and flavour into your next dish. The versatility of this recipe is really great too. You can serve it with cheese, mix it in a marinade or dressing, or pair with these Breakfast Bean Squares. It’s also really easy to make so it will definitely help with the kitchen confidence department.

When we hear “antioxidants” we tend to think of berries but figs actually belong in that category as well. They can be consumed fresh or dried, which does provide a different nutrient levels. Their nutrient profile doubles or triples when they are dried. You just have to make sure that they are from a reputable source and don’t contain sulphites.

Figs have a long history in the health world- including in traditional medicine. But we don’t need to go into detail about that. Just know that they are a great source of antioxidants, potassium, fiber and have antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Photo: Cooking the Ginger Fig Spread

Combine the powerhouse of nutrients of figs with ginger and you’ve got a great immune booster. Ginger does have a lot of “fire” but it really balances out with the sweetness of the figs. With its wide variety of health benefits ranging from helping with nausea to improving brain function, this is one versatile ingredient you can easily add to your menu- fresh, dried, powder, capsules or in juice form. But like with any healthy ingredient, everything is moderation. For some people, ginger can cause some stomach discomfort, heartburn and diarrhrea.

Photo: Ginger Fig Spread, a Healthy Jam Alternative

I didn’t include the weight of the ingredients in the measurements because there are lots of variables to play with. Do you like things more sweet or more spicy? What type of texture do you prefer in a spread? Think about it as you’re making it and adjust the ratios to your palette. Have fun with it. Let me know how you liked this healthy jam alternative!

Helping to keep your engine nourished,

~L

Ginger Fig Spread

Fig Ginger Spread

Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3-4 inches of Fresh Ginger- peeled and chopped/grated finely
  • 2 Tbsp Chia Seeds
  • 6-8 Dried Figs (without sulphites)- de-stemmed and chopped
  • ¾ cup Filtered Water

Instructions

1

Take the fresh ginger and remove skin with a spoon or knife. If the skin is thin and soft, you can also leave it on for more fiber. Chop ginger and figs finely and mix with water and figs into a heavy bottom pan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer until most of the water is absorbed and thickens with the natural sugars from the figs and ginger.

2

Remove from heat and stir in chia seeds. They will absorb the remaining about of water to help thicken and hold the spread together. Once cool, store in a glass jar in the fridge. It will keep for quite a while but is best to be consumed within 2 weeks. Enjoy!

Notes

TIP: You can also blend the ginger and figs in a food processor if you prefer a smoother consistency.

3 Comments

  • Reply
    Luise
    November 4, 2020 at 11:56 am

    Hey Lara. Thank you for this recipe. I LOVE fig so I can’t wait to try it out. I would guess this would also go good with cheese?

  • Reply
    Cherri Campbell
    November 5, 2020 at 3:14 am

    All looks delicious.

  • Reply
    Arlene Vandersloot
    November 5, 2020 at 4:00 am

    This looks so delicious.

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