Fig with Persian Feta & Pancetta

Fig with Persian Feta & Pancetta:

Experience pure simplicity with this simple fig appetiser. Harmoniously paired with Persian feta and pancetta & infused with balsamic glaze, these fig appetisers create flavour explosions that melt in your mouth.

The sumptuous texture of the figs, complemented by the luxurious, creamy Persian feta, wrapped in pancetta, and drizzled or injected with balsamic glaze, are irresistibly indulgent and guaranteed to satisfy your guest’s taste buds.

These easy fig appetisers are not only visually intriguing, but these decadent taste teasers will also spark conversations among your guests. Treat yourself to the pleasure of savouring these culinary bites – a must-try for any food enthusiast.

A regular addition in the summertime to our party menu, these easy fig appetisers never fail to impress and bring a healthy option to any social occasion.

Create these mouth watering easy fig appetisers at your next party. Literally in 15mins convert average to stunning.*

Fig With Persian Feta & Pancetta:

(Serves 16 Prep 15mins)

You Will Need:

• Firm, ripe figs, carefully washed and cut into quarters, revealing their sweet and juicy flesh.
• Marinated Persian feta, a creamy and tangy variety of cheese known for its smooth texture and herbaceous flavour.
• Sliced pancetta, an Italian-style cured meat similar to bacon but typically less smoky, cut into halves for easier handling or the round slices.
• Balsamic glaze, a thick and syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar, adding a sweet and tangy finish to the dish.

If using marinated feta, the dish will have plenty of flavour without adding extra herbs.

Instructions:

1. Begin by washing & cutting the figs into quarters.
2. Then take each quarter piece of fig and placing it on a clean work surface. Spoon a heaped teaspoon of Persian feta onto one side of the fig quarter, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
3. Carefully wrap the fig in a halved slice of pancetta, ensuring it encases the fig and feta filling securely. Repeat this process for the remaining fig quarters, feta, and pancetta slices.
4. Arrange the prepared figs wrapped in pancetta neatly on a serving platter, creating an attractive display.
5. If you’re using pipettes for the balsamic glaze, start by pouring the balsamic glaze into a small dish. Then, squeeze the bulb of the pipette to create a vacuum inside.
6. Submerge the tip of the pipette into the balsamic glaze, then release the pressure on the bulb to allow the pipette to draw up the desired amount of balsamic glaze.
7. Tip the pipette bulb side down to allow the balsamic in the shaft to draw up fully. Repeat this process until the pipette is filled to the desired level. This may take a few attempts to get the hang of it. I get my daughter to fill these for me.
8. Stand the filled pipettes upright in the figs, positioning them as shown in the photo or as desired.
9. Repeat the process of filling the pipettes and inserting them into the figs until all the figs are adorned with balsamic-filled pipettes.
10. Serve the figs wrapped in pancetta and adorned with balsamic-filled pipettes, allowing guests to enjoy the delicious combination of sweet figs, creamy feta, savoury pancetta, and tangy balsamic glaze.
11. If you are not using pipettes, drizzle balsamic glaze across the top of each fig.
12. Enjoy this elegant and flavourful appetiser with friends and family!

Helpful Tips

• The figs need to be ripe but not too soft for this easy fig appetiser.

• I like the figs raw, but you can add a drizzle of honey to sweeten further or lightly caramelise the fig quarters in a pan before adding the cheese & pancetta.

• Persian feta is soft, creamy and lush with a buttery finish typically marinated in garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, fresh thyme, & olive oil & therefore a little more flavour than standard feta.

• Balsamic glaze (balsamic reduction) is readily available at a range of supermarkets here in Australia or you can purchase Here

• If you can’t get hold of pancetta, prosciutto or serrano ham are fine too.

• Wanting a little more colour? you could add some rocket or garnish with fresh thyme.

• I buy 200-500 pipettes at a time online.

• * note that using the pipettes will add 15mins to your prep time.

• You can also purchase a mixed bundle (hearts, stars, round, flower or regular rectangle) shaped pipettes

Fig with Persian Feta & Pancetta

Recipe

(Serves 16 Prep 15mins)*

Ingredients

• 4 ripe figs cut into 1/4
• 200g Persian feta
• 100g sliced pancetta halved
• Balsamic glaze

Method

1. Take ¼ piece of fig and spoon a heaped teaspoon feta onto side
2. Wrap fig in pancetta
3. Arrange on a platter
4. If using pipettes for the balsamic, pour the balsamic glaze into a small dish 
5. Squeeze the bulb to create a vacuum inside
6. Submerge the tip of the pipette into the balsamic glaze
7. Release the pressure on the bulb allow the pipette to draw up the desired amount of balsamic glaze
8. Tip the pipette bulb side down to allow the balsamic in the shaft to draw up
9. Repeat the process to the desired level
10. (this will take a few goes- my daughter does this bit for me)
11. Stand the pipettes up in the figs as per photo
12. Repeat the process
13. Serve & enjoy!

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

Pinot Noir: A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir with its red fruit notes and subtle earthiness can complement the sweetness of the figs and balance the richness of the Persian feta and pancetta.

Merlot: A fruit-forward Merlot can work well with the figs, offering a nice contrast to the savoury pancetta and adding a touch of richness to complement the Persian feta.

Syrah/Shiraz: A Syrah or Shiraz with its bold flavours, hints of black fruit, and peppery notes can stand up to the savoury pancetta while adding depth to the overall flavour profile.

Rosé: A dry Rosé, particularly one with good acidity, can be a versatile choice. Its refreshing qualities can balance the richness of the feta and pancetta, while the wine’s fruitiness pairs well with the figs.

Chardonnay (oaked): If you prefer white wine, an oaked Chardonnay can bring a touch of buttery richness to the pairing, complementing the creaminess of the Persian feta.

Spotlight

Figs

Anna

Hey there, it's Anna! Anyone who knows me knows that I proudly wear the 'foodie' badge. Trying to select from a restaurant menu time & time again seems impossible- I want a taste of everything. It's precisely that, that got me into making canapés and appetisers for friends, family & colleagues so everyone could taste a bit of everything. It is truly possible for the average person, to make these delectable bites and take their next social occasion from average to stunning. Follow me at bitesizehostess.com and learn to cater for memorable events.