CHEFS' RECIPES
Fig ataif with orange-blossom syrup

Fig ataif with orange-blossom syrup

Serves 4

Cooking Time Prep time 10 mins, cook 20 mins



150 gm   pistachio kernels
For deep-frying:   rice bran oil
8   perfectly ripe green figs
To serve:   crème fraîche
Ataif batter
5 gm   dried yeast
1 tsp   caster sugar
200 gm   plain flour, sieved
Orange-blossom syrup
500 gm   caster sugar
Juice   and peeled rind of ½ a lemon
1   cinnamon quill
1 tbsp   orange-blossom water


1 For ataif batter, combine yeast, sugar and 100ml warm water in a bowl and stand in a warm place until foamy (4-5 minutes). Add flour and 250ml warm water, stir until smooth and stand in a warm place until you are ready to fry (10-15 minutes).
2 For orange-blossom syrup, combine sugar, lemon juice and rind, cinnamon and 300ml water in a saucepan, stir over high heat until sugar dissolves, then bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium, simmer until slightly thickened (8-10 minutes). Add orange-blossom water and cool to room temperature.
3 Meanwhile, preheat oven to 180C. Scatter pistachios on an oven tray, roast until light golden (3-5 minutes), cool, then coarsely chop.
4 Preheat oil in a deep-fryer or deep-sided saucepan to 175C. Dip figs one at a time in batter and deep-fry until golden and crisp (1-2 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and dip them into the syrup, making sure they get a good drenching, then scatter with pistachios and serve with a good dollop of crème fraîche and extra syrup to the side.

This recipe is from the February 2010 issue of Australian Gourmet Traveller.

RECIPE Jordan Theodoros, Aquacaf PHOTOGRAPHY William Meppem STYLING Geraldine Munoz and Lisa Featherby

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