Grazing Nomads

Travelling in Southern Turkey in August is hot, so hot that there are days when it’s a struggle to move! But it has real advantages: come mid-August the trees are full of ripe fruit and nuts! In rural Mersin peaches, figs and walnuts are falling off the trees and ready to be devoured!

With fresh honey and honeycomb, as well as homemade cheese made daily on ourfarm, we came up with a quick and easy yet utterly delicious salad. Although we used figs here peaches also work well. It may sound strange to mix sweet fruit and salty cheese but I assure you, it’s a marriage made in heaven!

Ingredients (Serves 4 small portions):

• 8 fresh figs
• 150g cheese: fresh soft goats cheese or feta both work well
• 2 large tbsps honey and honeycomb (optional)
• 50g walnuts broken into large chunks
• 2 gem lettuce heads
•  Olive oil

Method:

Heat a pan and dry roast the walnuts on medium heat for two minutes at most. They should darken slightly but be careful not to burn.

Whilst the walnuts are roasting shred the lettuce with your hands and place in a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil.

Crumble the cheese over the lettuce.

Cut the figs into quarters and place on top of the salad. Sprinkle the walnuts on top.

Drizzle the honey over the salad, and, if using, place small chunks of honeycomb here and there for added texture.

Serve the salad with fresh bread as a light lunch or side dish. Enjoy!

We would love to hear if you made this salad and how you got on! Share with us any other fig recipes!