Recipe: Grain Free Fig Tart

Recipe: Grain Free Fig Tart post image

On my last foraging expedition I noticed several varieties of figs available and I just had to use them for something. I thought that fresh figs and dates would go well together — but it needed a little something more…

Ficus Carica

Ficus carica originated in northern Asia Minor. In 1520 the Spaniards brought the fig to America. Figs played an important role in the 700’s in China during the T’ang dynasty. In Hellenic culture and economics, the fig was almost as important as the grape and the olive.

Cooked figs were used as sweeteners in historical times, and this usage still continues today in North Africa and the Middle East. Sumerian stone tablets dating back to 2500 B.C. record the usage of figs for thousands of years.

Figs are high in potassium, iron, fiber and calcium,  and are also used medicinally as a diuretic and/or laxative.

Dates

Dates are the fruit of the date palm and originated in the deserts of northern Africa and southwest Asia. Medjool dates are larger, dark, moist dates that provide fiber, potassium, and magnesium, nutrients so important for the heart. Other nutrients include, calcium, sulfur, iron,  phosphorous, manganese, and  copper. These minerals help regulate blood pressure and the proper rhythm of the heart. The fiber helps to neutralize the sugar component of the date.

Dates can supply a large amount of nutrients in one’s daily diet and are great as a quick energy snack due to easy digestibility. Dates can make a rejuvenative drink when soaked in water. Regular consumption of dates helps balance the intestinal flora and relieve constipation.

Medjool dates are legal on SCD/GAPS and they have been found to be well tolerated by most people. Together with figs, it may have a laxative effect, so be aware if your digestion is sensitive. This tart is dense and is meant to be eaten in small amounts. Take one small piece and share the rest!

Fig Tart

Ingredients for crust

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Angled spatula
  • 9” pie pan or tart pan

Instructions for crust

  1. In a food processor, process the almonds until just before it is a nut butter – more of a crunchy almond meal
  2. Add the honey and process
  3. Add the butter or ghee in small pieces until combined
  4. Take the dough and press into a 9” pie plate or tart pan
  5. Bake at 325 degrees F for 12 – 15 minutes until it is slightly browned
  6. Cool the crust before filling

Ingredients for filling

  • 6 ounces fresh figs cleaned + enough slices of figs for the top
  • 8 large medjool dates that are soft
  • 3/4 cup crispy pecans (how to soak and dehydrate nuts)
  • 1 – 2 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions for filling

  1. In the food processor process the pecans until it is a meal (do not over process!) and set aside
  2. In the food processor process the dates until they are smooth
  3. Add the figs and process until combined
  4. Add back the pecans and mix
  5. Add the filling to the cooled pie crust and smooth out with the angled spatula
  6. Slice the extra figs on top in a decorative pattern
  7. Refrigerate for several hours before serving

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook time: Several hours in the refrigerator

This post is shared at: Sugar Free Sunday, My Meatless Monday, Melt in Mouth Monday, Monday Mania, Barnyard Hop, Tasty Tuesday Naptime, Traditional Tuesday, Hearth & Soul Hop, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Whole Food Wednesday, Gluten Free Wednesday, Real Food Wednesday, Sustainable Ways, Allergy Free Wednesday, Mommy Club, Healthy 2Day, Creative Juice Thursday, Full Plate Thursday, Tastastic, Keep It Real Thursday, Simple Lives Thursday, Pennywise Platter, Freaky Friday, Homemaker Hop, Fight Back Friday, Foodie Friday, GAPS Friday

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Leave a Comment

  • Lauren @ Empowered Sustenance July 30, 2012, 8:44 am

    This looks fantastic! It’s interesting that you incorporated the nuts right into the filling. This is the perfect summer dessert because it requires no baking!

    Reply
    • Jill July 30, 2012, 9:22 am

      HI Lauren,
      Thanks! however, I do bake the crust — it may be eaten “raw” but it is MUCH better baked.

      Reply
  • Lauren July 30, 2012, 9:42 am

    When figs start appearing here I’ll be trying this out (and I’ll test the crust tomorrow with the plums I just picked up – halved and baked upright in an almond/cream/egg yolk custard). Come to think of it, where *are* the figs this year? Must make enquiries.
    Because I’m a pedant that way: dates originated in the North African desert, though they quickly found their way into North African desserts, too 🙂

    Reply
    • Jill July 30, 2012, 10:34 am

      Hi Lauren,
      Wow — the plum “thing” sounds awesome!

      I fixed the desserts — thanks!

      Reply
  • France @ Beyond The Peel July 30, 2012, 3:03 pm

    Wow Jill. Looks beautiful. I look forward to trying it when the figs start in Canada in a few weeks!

    Reply
  • Michele July 31, 2012, 12:39 am

    Yet another great recipe!! Can’t wait to try it (: Hope you have a lovely week!!

    Michele xoxo
    The Homesteading Cottage

    Reply
  • Vicky July 31, 2012, 2:05 pm

    I love this tart! So funny, I was thinking about fig rolls (A British thing at Christmas) just yesterday, how lovely to see your recipe in my inbox today!

    Reply
    • Jill July 31, 2012, 5:57 pm

      Hi Vicky,
      It would be lovely to see a grain free recipe for fig rolls!

      Reply
  • Ella @ Lifeologia August 1, 2012, 10:28 pm

    Wow – this tart is amazing and I love the figs and dates combo.
    I was just eyeing fresh figs the other day but I wanted find a recipe first ~ this might be it 😉
    xoxo
    Ella

    via Allergy Free Wednesday 😉

    Reply
  • Miz Helen August 2, 2012, 11:23 am

    Good Morning Jill,
    What a awesome dessert to serve, this looks beautiful! Hope you have a fabulous week and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
  • Diane Balch August 5, 2012, 4:32 pm

    I think dates and figs sound incredible together. Thanks for sharing this recipe on foodie friday.

    Reply
  • April @ The 21st Century Housewife August 5, 2012, 10:24 pm

    Your tart looks so beautiful! I love dates and figs together, and this would be such a perfect dessert – wholesome and delicious.

    Reply
  • Alea @ Premeditated Leftovers August 6, 2012, 10:13 pm

    Your tart looks lovely and delicious – the fact that it is healthier than most desserts is a bonus!

    Reply
  • nicolette @ momnivore's dilemma August 8, 2012, 7:38 pm

    Hi Jill-

    I featured your fig tart tonight at Creative Juice. Thanks for always contributing to my party. Your posts bring so much insight…

    I’ll also be pinning, facebooking, and tweeting this post as well. Thanks for sharing last week.

    Take care,
    Nicolette

    Reply