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So how do you feel about figs? A little different, right?
I’m not really sure if figs are a popular fruit, or one of those fruits that totally get ignored. I am thinking ignored??
Up until a few months ago I was completely scared of them. I pretty much just thought they were creepy, and to be honest, I only thought about them around Christmas. Yes, I used to only associates figs with figgy pudding.
Oh, and I have to admit, I did just listen to “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” just to make sure that’s the “figgy pudding” song. Ok, and I kind of wanted a little Christmas cheer mid summer. Don’t hate me.
A while back (like early spring) I accidentally bought dried figs. Well, it was not actually me, it was my dad who was helping me out and doing a late night grocery run for me. I asked for dates and he brought me back figs. UGH. I was like, “what am I supposed to do with dried figs? Eew”. I really had no idea, but I figured since I had them I might as well try them.
At first I was turned off by their texture, but then for some reason I tried another one and the figs began to grow on me. I can’t say I would ever choose figs as snack all on their own, but I realized I did like them.
Fast forward to the present. The other day I was trying to get my creative juices flowing, and suddenly the thought of a fig dish really excited me.
It’s weird how I can be completely uninterested in a certain food one day and the next be all “Oh I really want to make a fig dish today”. Â Figs are a late summer through fall fruit, so they should be in stores now or coming to your stores soon. I however, had to drive around to three stores, finally ending up at Whole Foods where they fortunately, had the most gorgeous turkish figs. I spent all morning trying to find them, but it was worth it. Plus, I do feel lucky that I actually found them and that my small town recently put in a Whole Foods. I love the whole “small town” thing, but I gotta say, sometimes Whole Foods saves the day.
I really wanted to create an easy meal that people who may not even like figs could enjoy. See, figs to my family are like kale to a five-year old. They want nothing to do with them. But me being me, I really wanted to prove them wrong. I went with my little fig idea and paired it with two of their favorites, polenta and tomatoes. It’s honestly the perfect little Italian meal. You can make it now – in the summer, but it’s also a great transition meal into fall. Perfect way to use up the last of your home-grown cherry tomatoes. YUM.
I went with pork for this dish because I really just wanted to step away from the chicken for a second and be a little bold. And balsamic fig glazed pork just had a nice ring to it, so I went with it. I am all about recipe names having a nice ring to them. Feel free to use chicken, steak or even beans (chickpeas or cannellini) for a vegetarian version.
The tomatoes came into play because I had so many of them, and blistered tomatoes sounded like a pretty good idea with sweet balsamic.
The polenta is kind of predictable for me, but I really just love polenta. Sorry, I can’t help it.
Oh and the gorgonzola. It just has so much flavor and I love pairing it with sweet and savory things. It’s the perfect balance.
If you are not a fan of gorgonzola swap parmesan, goat cheese or fontina. If figs are just not your cup of tea you can either leave them out completely or swap peaches, nectarines or cherries. You just want something sweet that can stand up to some heat.
If you are not sure how you feel about figs, just give them a try in this dish. I think you will be surprised. My picky family loved them, well… at least my parents loved them. The boys weren’t home, but even if they were home, I doubt I would have been able to coax them into trying them. Although… the figs really blend in well with the pork. The balsamic glaze makes it really difficult to differentiate the pork from the figs. My parents didn’t even realize there were figs in there until I told them mid-way through the meal. Hmmm, maybe I could have gotten away with it!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Balsamic glazed pork and figs, aside blistered cherry tomatoes and creamy gorgonzola polenta, all topped with pine nuts. See, different can be good!
Just found this recipe and hoping to make it tonight. Can’t find fresh figs this time of year- can I use dried? thank you!
Hi Lisa,
Yes you can use dried figs for this recipe! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Sounds great!! Could I use Frozen Figues? I can’t find fresh right now. Or is there sole other fruit I could substitute…
Hi Shannon,
Yes you can, I would recommend thawing them first! Hope you enjoy the recipe!!
Made this tonight for the boyfriend and his parents and it was fantastic, thanks so much! 🙂
Hello! It’s looks so wonderful with figs !! I want to make this ! But can I use dried figs?
HI! Yes, I think that dried figs would be fine. Maybe soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first to give them a little more life. Hope you love this!
I finally made this recipe after thinking and droolling over it for a month.. wow, the sauce, that fig balsamic sauce is unbelievable!! I just ate it with a spoon untill there was non left ( thank goodness there were no observers in the kitchen at that moment). The blue cheese grits are a little bit funcky. I can eat and love grits in any form and shape, but husband was not crazy. But that sauce, did i mention the sauce?!!
YEAH!! So excited you loved it. This is such a great meal, I love the fig sauce too!
Hi Tieghan, I just wanted to say I really love your blog and the gorgeous recipes and photos! These figs and polenta look delicious and I can’t wait to give it a try.
Awe, wow! Thank you so much! Your kinds words made my night! 🙂
This sounds and looks amazing! We love dried figs around here, but you are right- fresh ones are only around for a short while. Figs and balsamic are so incredible together- love everything about this beautiful dish!
Thanks Sherri!
This looks awesome! What about risotto as a polenta alternative?
Risotto would be so good!
Thanks Kelsey!
We just made this! Absolutely delicious! The flavours were amazing!
Yay!! So happy you loved it. Thank you!
Tieghan, I’m so smitten with this recipe. It’s got so many flavors I love and I know everything would be just AMAZING together. You’re so insanely talented!
Ah, wow. Thank you so much, Morgan! You comment made my day! 🙂
my oh my this looks phenomenal! x
Thank you!
I’d actually never even tried a fresh fig until a few years ago. I love them now. And I love this gorgeous dish you shared. Just stunning!
Thank you so much, Monet!! 🙂
Everything about this is INCREDIBLE, Tieghan! I’m craving everything in this dish. I used to be pretty lukewarm on figs, too (especially the squishy texture) but somehow they’ve seriously grown on me and I love them now. I especially love them in meat dishes like you’ve used them here — ahhh. This is so perfect (and stunning, too!!)
I think figs and meat are the perfect combo. I loved it!!
Thank you! 🙂
What a gorgeous dish, these flavors all scream summer to me. I want to dig in!
Thank you! 🙂
This looks so amazing! I love the idea of these flavors and the alternatives if my regular ole grocery store doesn’t have figs.
Thanks Emily!