The lack of travel opportunity is perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Lockdown as foreign adventure has always been one of my greatest passions. I therefore find myself trying to bring holiday memories to mind through food, and this particular dish is a breakfast which instantly evokes sun-drenched Greek islands, grey-green olive trees, hidden coves and sparkling turquoise seas.
Figs are indigenous to Syria, were revered by the early Hebrews as a symbol of peace and plenty, and are one of the four historic Mediterranean foods, along with olives, grapes and wheat.
I never bother to peel figs, but there is a rather charming Italian proverb which admonishes you to feed the skin of a fig to your enemy and the skin of a peach to your friend........
This truly is a breakfast made in heaven, perfect in its simplicity, but feel free to have it for pudding if the fancy takes you.
FIGS AND RASPBERRIES WITH HONEY AND YOGHURT
Serves 2
Runny honey – Greek is perfect but I also love using acacia honey
450 ml/3/4 pint/2 cups thick plain yoghurt – I use plant-powered coconut yoghurt
4 ripe purple figs, quartered
200 g/7 oz raspberries
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Add honey to taste to the yoghurt, keeping it on the tart side to bring out the sweetness of the figs. Place a large spoonful of it on two plates and sprinkle with the figs, raspberries and pomegranate seeds.
Drizzle with a little more honey and garnish with mint leaves.
Serve immediately.
And what about this breakfast’s nutritional talents? Figs are rich in minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper and are a good source of antioxidant Vitamins A and K that contribute to health and wellness; they are also full of fibre and, as a prebiotic, support the microbiome and digestion.Raspberries?
Absolutely PACKED with antioxidants including Vitamins C and E, selenium, beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin; they are also anti-inflammatory, supportive of heart health and help to lower blood pressure. And pomegranates are yet again anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants and may help to protect against dementia as well as offering cardiovascular and cholesterol benefits. So sit back and dream of holidays in the sun while you enjoy this evocative and nutrient-filled breakfast.
Comments