Sunday, September 21, 2008

Fig Samosas with Carrot Raita

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Before the Eating Art project, I had never really thought about why there were figs in so many paintings, mostly because I don't think of figs. It is not something that appears in Cleveland grocery stores very regularly; and definitely not at farmers markets (that I have seen). But, when I bought some last week for this project, after ripping one fresh fig open, I tasted that sweet but complex flesh and I gained a world of understanding.

For those painters of still life with figs, I can only imagine how very rare those sweet luscious pillows were exceedingly previous. Afterall, even with refrigeration, they mold so quickly. Of course, no fear of mold here because I used dried.

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Recipe
Fig Samosa

Sautee until oils release
1 scant T cumin
2 t coriander
1 t ginger powder
1 T fresh grated ginger

Simmer on medium until tender
3 large carrots, grated
2 small onions, diced extremely finely

Add
8 dried figs, diced very finely
salt and white pepper, to taste

Cool the mixture

Melt

1 stick butter

Butter together 3-4 sheets filo. Cut into 12 rectangles. Put a tiny dollop of the filling in and then seal the edges with butter.

Bake at 375 for about 8 minutes, until golden brown.

Serve with raita


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Carrot Raita
Combine
1 cup yoghurt
1/4 cup grated carrots
salt

In a small skillet add oil

3 curry leaves
1 T cumin

Finish with fresh coriander leaves

14 comments:

Chou said...

Your carrots have more character than any I've seen in ages! It's nice to have the chance to sit back and realize how lucky we are to have conveniences such as temperature controlled storage etc.

Deborah said...

I can't believe I've never had a fig before. I know they are hard to find fresh around here, but since this recipe uses dried, I'm sure I can find those!!

michael, claudia and sierra said...

wow
huge wow

that sounds AMAZING

glamah16 said...

Those are some beautiful carrots. I love the concept of a fig samosa.

Thistlemoon said...

What a great idea for using up figs! I love them so much and am so sad that their season has come to an end this year....:(

Anonymous said...

Fig samosas sound like a great idea. I love figs a lot:) Great recipe!

maybelles mom said...

chou: I bought them for just that reason.

Deborah: dried figs are all season so go for it.

cook eat FRET: these might have been the best of the whole evening.

glamah16: thanks.

JennDZ - The Leftover Queen: I know it is sad.

farida: thanks.

Anonymous said...

OOooh yellow figs look cute.. I haven't seen any of those around here.

Anonymous said...

This looks really interesting. I like how you've used the figs here.

bee said...

what an inspired recipe!!! i must say, the first time i ate a fresh fig, i was ten. since then, it's been my absolute favourite fruit.

Maggie said...

The carrot raita sounds delicious! I love the tangled carrot photo.

Sophie said...

I've had figs but not samosas. I love that picture with the samosas breaking open with yummy-ness :).

test it comm said...

Fig samosas sound really good!

maybelles mom said...

Jude: they were so delicious.

Fearless Kitchen: thanks.

bee: oh they are good.

Maggie: oh those carrots were so pretty. they tempted me at the market.

Sophie: it was yum.

Kevin: thanks. do try them.