Hello foodies! I’m Nadira and today I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that is perfect for celebrating World Bee Day – honey-roasted feta with figs and walnuts. This dish is the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors, and the combination of textures from the creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and tender figs will absolutely delight your taste buds. One bite and you’ll be hooked!
Nadira was born and raised in a small village in Pakistan. She got her degree in environmental science and now works for a wildlife conservation organization. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Nadira Malik currently resides in the United States and grew up in Pakistan.
As someone who grew up in a village in Pakistan, I’ve always appreciated the importance of bees. Not only do they produce honey which is used in so many delicious recipes, but they also pollinate crops that provide food for people and animals alike. That’s why I’m excited to share this recipe with you today – not only is it delicious, but it’s also a celebration of the hardworking bees that make it all possible.
The recipe for honey-roasted feta with figs and walnuts has Mediterranean roots, and it’s been a favorite in that region for centuries. Legend has it that the recipe was created by a Greek woman who was trying to bring together all the flavors of the region in one dish. Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and has been made the same way for thousands of years. The sweet figs and honey in this dish are a nod to the region’s love of dessert flavors, while the walnuts add a nutty crunch that takes it to the next level. So, let’s get cooking and enjoy a dish that is not only delicious but also pays homage to the hardworking bees that make it all possible!
What you need
This honey-roasted feta with figs and walnuts recipe is the perfect way to celebrate World Bee Day and pay homage to our buzzing friends! The salty and tangy feta cheese is given a sweet twist with the addition of honey and roasted figs while crunchy walnuts add a nutty texture and flavor to the dish. The recipe is simple and easy to follow – start by roasting feta cheese in the oven until it’s lightly browned, then roast the figs and walnuts until they’re tender and crispy. Assemble all the ingredients in a serving dish and drizzle with the remaining honey and olive oil from the baking dishes. Serve the dish warm with crackers or bread. This recipe brings together unique flavors and textures in a beautiful and delicious way that is sure to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients:
- Feta cheese – The salty and tangy flavor of feta cheese is complemented by the honey and roasted figs in this dish. If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can try goat cheese or even blue cheese.
- Honey – The sweetness of honey balances the saltiness in the feta cheese and enhances the flavor of the roasted figs and walnuts. You can use any type of honey you prefer.
- Fresh figs – The sweetness of fresh figs pairs well with the salty flavor of the feta cheese. You can replace fresh figs with dried figs if fresh figs are not available.
- Walnuts – The crunchy texture and nutty flavor of the walnuts add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish. You can use other nuts like almonds or pecans as well.
- Olive oil – Olive oil is used for roasting the figs and walnuts and adds a fruity flavor to the dish. You can use any type of cooking oil you prefer.
- Black pepper – Black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the dish. You can adjust the amount of black pepper according to your taste.
Utensils:
- Baking dish – You can choose a baking dish with a size that fits the amount of feta cheese you’re using.
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spoon
- Measuring spoons
Feta Cheese
I love using feta cheese in my cooking because it has such a unique flavor that can’t be replicated by any other cheese. Feta is commonly made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk, and the tangy, salty taste is perfect for balancing out the sweet flavors in this honey-roasted feta with figs and walnuts recipe. Feta cheese is also crumbly, and I love the texture it adds to dishes. Despite its strong flavor, feta cheese is actually a healthier alternative to many other types of cheese. It’s lower in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Plus, it’s high in protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. In this recipe, you can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese if you prefer, but I highly recommend sticking with feta for the best results.
Walnuts
I love using walnuts in my cooking because they add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to dishes. They’re also a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Walnuts are also high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Some people shy away from walnuts because they’re high in calories and fat, but they’re actually a nutrient-dense food when eaten in moderation. In this honey-roasted feta with figs and walnuts recipe, the walnuts are chopped and roasted alongside the figs, which brings out their nutty flavor even more. You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans if you prefer, but I think walnuts are the perfect complement to the rest of the ingredients.
What to serve it with?
I personally love to serve this honey-roasted feta with figs and walnuts dish warm with crispy crackers or toasted bread. The crunchiness of crackers or the toasted bread complement the creamy cheese and crunchiness of walnuts so well. I feel it’s an excellent appetizer to serve to my guests when we have a get-together. My love for hiking has let me appreciate the beauty in simple things. The ingredients for this recipe are simple, but the flavors are so flavorful yet so effortless. It’s food made with love and simple ingredients.
Summary
As we celebrate World Bee Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the amazing honey that they produce. This honey-roasted feta with figs and walnuts is a delicious way to enjoy the sweet nectar while paying homage to our buzzing friends. So, what do you think about this recipe? Have you tried it? Did you add any personal touches to make it your very own? Let me know in the comments below. I’m curious to hear your opinions!”
“After all, food connects us all, and everyone has their special story of how they love to add their touch to their favorite recipe. Let’s share recipes, stories, and memories, and keep the love for food alive! Thank you for joining me today. Till next time, happy eating!
Here’s the recipe:
Celebrating World Bee Day: Honey-Roasted Feta with Figs and Walnuts
Equipment
- Baking dish
- cutting board
- Knife
- Spoon
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 8-10 Fresh figs
- 1/2 cup, chopped Walnuts
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Feta Cheese - Cut the feta cheese into 1 inch cubes and place them in a single layer in a baking dish. - Make sure the feta cheese is evenly spread out in the baking dish to ensure it roasts evenly.
- Roast the Feta Cheese - Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of honey over the feta cheese. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the feta cheese is lightly browned and softened. - Keep an eye on the feta cheese as it bakes - you want it to be lightly browned but not burnt.
- Prepare the Figs and Walnuts - While the feta cheese is baking, cut the figs into quarters. Spread them out on a baking sheet with 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until the walnuts are toasted and the figs are tender. - Make sure to shake the baking sheet occasionally to ensure the figs and walnuts are roasted evenly.
- Assemble and Serve - Once the feta cheese is done, transfer it to a serving dish along with the roasted figs and walnuts. Drizzle any remaining honey and olive oil from the baking dishes over the top. Serve warm with crackers or bread. - You can add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dish before serving to add some extra flavor and aroma.
