I’m thrilled to share five delightful fall recipes featuring the star of the season: figs! These recipes are perfect for vegans and vegetarians and are sure to warm your soul as the weather gets cooler. Let’s dive right in!
Embracing Autumn Flavors with Fig and Walnut Salad
There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty, seasonal salad when the leaves start to turn vibrant shades of red and gold. This Fig and Walnut Salad is a perfect way to start off your autumn evenings.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (720ml) mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, and kale)
- 8 fresh figs, quartered
- 1/2 cup (60g) toasted walnuts
- 1/4 cup (30g) crumbled vegan feta
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinaigrette
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, figs, walnuts, vegan feta, and red onion.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch and sweet figgy goodness!
Warming Up with Spiced Fig and Pumpkin Soup
This Spiced Fig and Pumpkin Soup is a unique way to warm up on a chilly autumn day. It’s both hearty and fragrant, with a hint of sweetness from the figs.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium pumpkin, peeled and cubed (around 4 cups/500g)
- 6 fresh figs, halved
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5g) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp (2g) ground nutmeg
- 4 cups (960ml) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until fragrant.
- Add the pumpkin cubes and figs, and sauté for another 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the cinnamon and nutmeg, then pour in the vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in the coconut milk.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
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A Sweet Treat: Vegan Fig and Cinnamon Muffins
Nothing says fall quite like the aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through your kitchen. These Vegan Fig and Cinnamon Muffins are perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp (15g) baking powder
- 1 tsp (5g) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
- 1 cup (240ml) almond milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 8 fresh figs, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and fold in the chopped figs.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool on a wire rack before indulging.
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Savory Delight: Fig and Caramelized Onion Tart
This Fig and Caramelized Onion Tart is perfect for a savory, sophisticated dish that’s sure to impress. It’s a beautiful combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of vegan puff pastry, thawed
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 8 fresh figs, sliced
- 1/4 cup (30g) crumbled vegan blue cheese
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Cook until caramelized, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Roll out the vegan puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Arrange the fig slices on top of the onions and sprinkle with vegan blue cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
Indulgent Dessert: Fig and Chocolate Mousse
Ending on a sweet note, this Fig and Chocolate Mousse is the ultimate indulgence. It’s rich yet light, and the figs add a lovely texture and sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) coconut cream
- 1/2 cup (85g) dark chocolate chips, melted
- 6 fresh figs, mashed
- 2 tbsp (30ml) maple syrup
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- Extra fig slices for garnish
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the coconut cream until it forms stiff peaks.
- Gently fold in the melted dark chocolate, mashed figs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Divide the mousse into serving glasses and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Garnish with extra fig slices before serving.
These recipes have quickly become my go-to dishes when I want to savor the comforting flavors of fall. I hope they bring joy, warmth, and deliciousness to your table too. Let me know which one you try first!
If you enjoyed this recipe or have suggestions on how we can improve it, please leave us a comment below. Also, make sure to check out other dishes I’ve created or stories I’ve written about food culture – here.