The flavors here are rich and exciting.

　　

Ingredients

2 pounds dried figs

　　2 1/2 cups sugar

　　2 cups water

　　Juice of 1/2 lemon

　　1 teaspoon ground aniseed

　　3 tablespoons pine nuts

　　1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

　　1/4 teaspoon pulverized mastic (optional)

　　

Step 1

Chop the figs roughly.

　　

Step 2

Boil the sugar and water with the lemon juice for a few minutes, then add the figs, and simmer gently until they are soft and impregnated with the syrup, which should have thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

　　

Step 3

Add the aniseed, pine nuts and walnuts, and the mastic if you like. (To be properly pulverized, the mastic must have been pounded or ground with a pinch of sugar.) Stir well, and cook a few minutes longer.

　　

Step 4

Pour into clean glass jars and let it cool, then close tightly.

　　The New Book of Middle Eastern Food Copyright © 2000Knopf