Estrelinhas de Figo

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Estrelinhas de Figo are a beloved treat from the Algarve region, traditionally prepared during the festivities surrounding All Saints’ Day. These delightful fig stars, often filled with almonds, are not only a festive snack but also a sweet reminder of the region’s rich culinary heritage. With their unique star shape and irresistible blend of flavours, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends during this special time of year.

Table Of Contents
  1. Ingredientes ~ 12/15 Figos | Ingredients ~ 12/15 Figs
  2. Preparação | Preparation


Photo by Manuel Monteiro

Photo By Clara Santos
The figs are dried over September and October and then selected to make traditional fig sweet recipes such as Figos Cheios and Estrelinhas de Figo.

Ingredientes ~ 12/15 Figos | Ingredients ~ 12/15 Figs

  • 250g figos secos (250g dried figs)
  • 100g amêndoas inteiras (100g whole almonds)
  • 1 colher de sopa de açúcar amarelo (1 tablespoon brown sugar)
  • 1 colher de chá de canela em pó (1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
  • 1 colher de chá de erva-doce moída (1 teaspoon ground fennel seeds)
  • Raspa de 1 limão (Zest of 1 lemon)
  • 50ml aguardente de figo (50ml fig firewater)

Preparação | Preparation

  1. Prepare os figos (Prepare the figs):
    • Com uma faca ou tesoura, corte os figos em cruz sem os separar completamente, de forma a abrir os figos em forma de estrela (Using a knife or scissors, cut the figs in a cross shape without completely separating them, so the figs open into a star shape).
  2. Preencha com amêndoas (Fill with almonds):
    • Coloque amêndoas inteiras nas extremidades abertas de cada figo para formar as pontas da estrela (Place whole almonds in the open ends of each fig to form the points of the star).
  3. Asse as estrelinhas (Bake the stars):
    • Disponha as estrelinhas de figo num tabuleiro e leve ao forno a 150°C (Arrange the fig stars on a baking tray and bake at 150°C/300°F).
    • Deixe tostar por cerca de 15-20 minutos até as amêndoas ficarem douradas (Let them toast for about 15-20 minutes until the almonds are golden).
  4. Polvilhe com açúcar e canela (Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon):
    • Retire do forno e polvilhe com a mistura de açúcar amarelo, canela e erva-doce (Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fennel).
  5. Sirva (Serve):
    • Deixe arrefecer antes de servir, ou acompanhe com um cálice de aguardente para um sabor mais tradicional (Let them cool before serving, or pair with a shot of brandy for a more traditional flavour).

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