Ancho-Fig Compote

• Recipe by Scott Howell

This sweet-hot compote is marvelous with the pungent ham. Howell also serves it sometimes with his Creamy Chicken Liver Mousse.

Ingredients

1. 1 small ancho chile
2. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3. 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
4. 1 pound moist dried figs, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
5. 1 1/2 cups water
6. 1/2 cup cider vinegar
7. 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Directions

1. Soak the ancho in hot water until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry; discard the stem and seeds. Slice the chile into thin strips.
2. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan. Add the ancho and onion, cover and cook over moderately low heat until the onion softens, about 4 minutes. Add the figs and cook for 5 minutes, then add the water, vinegar and thyme and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the figs are tender and the compote has thickened.

Make Ahead

The compote can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Notes

One Serving
Calories 126 kcal, Total Fat 2.8 gm, Saturated Fat 0.4 gm, Protein 1 gm, Carbohydrates 27 gm