flipDried Figs with Honey, Thyme, and Sesame
Dried Figs with Honey, Thyme, and Sesame
Why this dish? Atlas stands at the ends of the world, where the sun sets; near such an immobile traveler, long-lasting provisions are precious. The dried fig was the quintessential Greek provision: sweet, light, indestructible. Rolled in honey and sesame, it becomes a confection that crosses seasons as the Hyades cross the sky.
Split dried figs, filled with a little honey and thyme, rolled in toasted sesame. A keepable candy, sticky and fragrant, that lasts for weeks and slips into a pouch for the road.
Take some for your journey, for the road towards the sunset is long, where my husband holds the sky on his shoulders. Split the dried fig through its belly, slip in a drop of honey and a sprig of thyme, then roll it in sesame toasted by the flame. It will not rot, it will not spoil: it will await your hunger as the stars await night to appear.
- •Dried figs — a dozen (sweet base for storage)
- •Honey — a drizzle (binder, preservative)
- •Sesame seeds — a handful (coating, crunch)
- •Dried thyme — a pinch (flavor)
Dried Figs with Honey, Thyme, and Sesame
Split dried figs, filled with a little honey and thyme, rolled in toasted sesame. A keepable candy, sticky and fragrant, that lasts for weeks and slips into a pouch for the road.
Why this dish? Atlas stands at the ends of the world, where the sun sets; near such an immobile traveler, long-lasting provisions are precious. The dried fig was the quintessential Greek provision: sweet, light, indestructible. Rolled in honey and sesame, it becomes a confection that crosses seasons as the Hyades cross the sky.
Take some for your journey, for the road towards the sunset is long, where my husband holds the sky on his shoulders. Split the dried fig through its belly, slip in a drop of honey and a sprig of thyme, then roll it in sesame toasted by the flame. It will not rot, it will not spoil: it will await your hunger as the stars await night to appear.
Ingredients (period version)
- Dried figs — a dozen (sweet base for storage)
- Honey — a drizzle (binder, preservative)
- Sesame seeds — a handful (coating, crunch)
- Dried thyme — a pinch (flavor)
Ingredients
- Soft dried figs — 12 pieces (base)
- Honey — 2 tbsp (binder)
- Sesame seeds — 4 tbsp (coating)
- Dried thyme — 1 pinch (flavor)
- Fennel or anise seeds (optional) — 1 pinch (anise note, optional)
Method
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until lightly colored and fragrant, then set aside.
- Slit each fig on one side without cutting in half; place a dab of honey and a pinch of thyme (and fennel if desired) inside.
- Close the figs, lightly brush the outside with honey.
- Roll them in the toasted sesame to coat thoroughly.
- Let air-dry for an hour; store in a sealed container away from moisture.
How it was made : The fig, fresh and especially dried, was a pillar of Greek diet: energy-rich, easy to store and transport, it nourished athletes, soldiers, and travelers. Sesame and honey were used in many ancient sweets (like the sesame-honey cake, *sêsamê*). The exact coating is a plausible reconstruction from these attested ingredients.
The contemporary twist : Presented as a "star cluster" on a slate, each fig pierced with a toothpick like a Hyades constellation to nibble.
Aethra · Charactorium
