Earlier in the week when I was at Whole Food on the hunt for some green tomatoes I stumbled upon some fresh figs. I was so excited I practically snatched them out of the hands of the stock boy and quickly followed up with a happy dance. Both Obed and the stock boy looked at me like I was mental, but I didn’t care, I had figs in hand! You don’t understand finding fresh figs here in the midwest is not easy and they have such a short season to begin with. I did my happy dance in the middle of Whole Foods produce with pride.
The fig hasn’t made many appearances on The Noshery because of the fact that they have such a short season and are a little hard to find here, but make no mistake I dig the fig…..HA! that rhymed.
I decided I was going to make myself a wicked awesome figgy sandwich with my figs.
I knew I definitely wanted some caramelized onions with this sandwich. I love the sweet flavor of caramelized onions and how the ends get a little crispy and chewy. Caramelizing onions is a bit of an art, you have to be patient and tend to them. If they brown to quickly and the heat is too high they can burn.
I also did a little balsamic vinegar reduction just to top off all the sweet and salty flavors to come.
Assemble all your ingredients together. Mmmm this is already looking pretty awesome.
I was extra lucky because I already had some olive oil dough in the fridge and was able to make some fresh focaccia bread, but a store bought focaccia will work just as well. Also some toasted Italian bread or ciabatta bread would be great.
Top one slice of focaccia with prosciutto slices.
Then add your beautiful fresh figs. I used calimyra figs but some brown turkeys would work well also.
Now those fabulous caramelized onions….*purrrr*
This is just going to get better because now you add some creamy goat cheese.
Drizzle some of the balsamic vinegar reduction over the goat cheese. Oh mama!
And because every sandwich can use a little green, top it off with some fresh basil.
I don’t know about you but I think this is a pretty smoking hot sandwich.
“How you duen?” *wink, wink*
I bit into this sandwich and I was in heaven. Salty, sweet and creamy all in one bite. It got a little messy there for a minute, but it’s all good. Love can be messy and I was in love with this sandwich.
Awesome Figgy Sandwich
- 1/4 of a large onion
- 1 1/2 Tbs olive oil
- 1 Tbs butter
- kosher salt
- sugar
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- focaccia bread
- 2 slices prosciutto
- 2 – 3 calimyra figs, sliced
- goat cheese
- 4 fresh basil leaves
In a large skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil and the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onions and a pinch of kosher salt. When the onions begin to brown add a dash of sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a cool plate or bowl to stop the cooking process.
While the onions are caramelizing, put balsamic vinegar into a small pot and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until reduced by 1/2 and liquid becomes syrupy, about 5 minutes.
Assemble your sandwich, start with a slice of focaccia, top with prosciutto, figs, onions and goat cheese. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the goat cheese, top with fresh basil and another slice of focaccia bread.
Kathryn says
Wow- that looks totally delicious! Have you ever tried a muffaletta? It’s a New Orleans style sandwich and it’s my absolute favorite!
Sophia says
Oh wow, this is like a dream. I really want to try this recipe. I actually just tried prosciutto for the first time a couple months ago, and fell in love with it. Thanks for sharing this recipe. Here’s one of my favorites with prosciutto: Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp.
Stacey Snacks says
You know I am a fig freak! this looks delish.
I made a fig ricotta pizza last night!
Meseidy says
I know I saw that! It was and awesome figgy pizza!
Marisa says
This looks super! What a great use for figs. Definitely going to try this when fig season rolls around again.
heather says
had something very similar to this at Salumi, Mario Batali’s father’s shop. what a great sandwich!
cheers,
*heather*
Nancy @ The Sensitive Pantry says
I can’t think of anything more delicious than this sandwich. It incorporates some of my favorite ingredients. I am now officially drooling…um, I mean starving.
Anh says
I’m so envious with the fresh figs you have there! And the idea of a fig sandwich is awesome!
Julie (Bananas for Bourbon) says
*drooooool* Oh my does that look heavenly. I think I could eat that sandwich every day for forever!
susan says
Okay, so the text of this post is so what will make you the next Food TV Network star because I can hear you saying this whole narrative while making the sandwich. It’s brilliant. If you don’t apply for the show, I’m going to do it for you (and then you won’t get in because my demo would resemble some messy PB&J a 6-year old made instead of an awesomely wicked figgy sandwich. Get on the application already!!!).
Monica says
Oh boy.. yum!
Elizabeth says
Um….hello lovely sandwich..now get in my belly! Yum yum yum! That is the finest sandwich I’ve seen all year! Smokin’ hot indeed…
Lisa says
There should be a law against posting food that look this good, not to mention I’m so hungry right now. I love your blog its one of the blogs that I really enjoy following.
Lisa xx
Tickled Red says
{CLUNK} :O
Mouth on the floor…enough said. Okay one more thing W-O-W!