This elegant side pairs sweet, tender figs with tangy goat’s cheese, crisp pancetta, and fresh nashi pear salad. Finished in minutes under the grill, it’s a stunning choice for entertaining or as a refined addition to any Italian-inspired meal.
Baked Figs Wrapped in Pancetta with Goat’s Cheese & Nashi Pears
Prep time :
10 minutes
Cook time :
10 minutes
Serves :
6 as a side
Total Time :
20 minutes
Baked Figs Wrapped in Pancetta with Goat’s Cheese & Nashi Pears
Ingredients
For the figs:
- 12 fresh figs (not too ripe)
- 100g white mould goat cheese or gorgonzola dolce latte
- 12 thin slices pancetta
- Balsamic vinegar, to drizzle
- Toothpicks
For the salad:
- 1 nashi pear, thinly sliced
- 60g walnuts, roasted and chopped
- Handful of rocket
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Method
Prepare the Figs:
- Cut a criss-cross from top to base of each fig, keeping them whole. Stuff about a teaspoon of cheese into each fig.
Wrap & Grill:
- Wrap figs with a single slice of pancetta, secure with a toothpick. Place under a hot grill until pancetta is crisp and cheese melts, about 4–5 minutes.
Make the Salad:
- Toss sliced nashi pear with rocket, walnuts, olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Arrange on six plates.
Serve:
- Place grilled figs onto salad, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and extra olive oil. Serve immediately.
Chef’s Tip
Use figs that are firm, not overly ripe, to keep their shape through grilling. Try swapping goat cheese for gorgonzola if you like a stronger flavour.
