We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Fig Compote?

Dan Harkins
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,379
References
Share

Chefs around the globe prepare compotes to complement a range of dishes, both savory and sweet. A popular style is fig compote, which can turn an often-maligned fruit into a luxuriously tender accompaniment to an entree, side dish or dessert. All that is needed to soften the profile of this alien-looking fruit are basic pantry ingredients like butter, sugar, honey and perhaps a pinch of salt.

Fig compote is made like any other compote, by forming a sugary liquid base of equal parts brown sugar, honey and butter in a hot pan. Many also add a little salt to the mix — especially if an unsalted butter was used — and even some lemon juice and vanilla. Then, while stirring, the liquid is sauteed until bubbles start to form.

Sections of quartered figs are thrown into the bubbling compote base, and the whole mixture is fully stirred. Some add raisins to the mix as well. A broiler then is used to soften the figs and impart them with even more sugary flavor. Instead of the broiler, chefs can increase the heat on the stove to medium-high and constantly stir the mixture to ensure it does not burn from so much direct heat. With either method, the fig compote should be caramelized no more than five minutes, exhibiting a golden hue, a tender texture, and a complex syrupy flavor.

Oatmeal is a frequent partner with fig compote, which is customarily served while still warm. Others use fig compote to accompany ice cream, waffles, toast, bagels or English muffins. Anything that would taste good with jam works well with the compote.

A savory version of fig compote is also available, with a decidedly different flavor. While soaking the figs in brandy, olive oil is heated in a saucepan over low heat with chopped onions and some salt, until the onions are slightly caramelized. Then the figs and brandy are added, and the compote continues to cook until the liquid is gone. With a little water and spice like thyme, the savory compote continues to cook until it takes on a thickened jam-like consistency.

Though the sweet compote can successfully be paired with some savory dishes — particularly shellfish — the savory fig compote is particularly suited for such a meal. Many pair it with beef or pork tenderloin, but any type of protein is suitable. Even snacks like crackers and a salty cheese benefit from a compote, either sweet or savory.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Dan Harkins
By Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins, a former military professional, brings his diverse life experiences to his writing. After earning his journalism degree, he spent more than two decades honing his craft as a writer and editor for various publications. Dan’s debut novel showcases his storytelling skills and unique perspective by drawing readers into the story’s captivating narrative.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins, a former military professional, brings his diverse life experiences to his writing. After earning his...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-fig-compote.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.