Fig and Walnut Bread with Goat Cheese

This fig and walnut bread with goat cheese is a delightful treat combining the earthy flavors of whole grain and refined flour with the sweetness of figs and the rich taste of goat cheese. It's perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or to accompany a luxurious cheese platter. The recipe features a harmonious blend of soft, dry figs and crunchy walnuts, complemented by creamy goat cheese. The union of these flavors creates an exquisite taste experience that will have your taste buds dancing. The bread is light, fluffy, and incredibly satisfying, ideal for those who love a sweet and savory combination. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, it's a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Best of all, it requires less than an hour to prepare and bake. Enjoy the rustic charm and aromatic scent as it fills your kitchen. This bread can be a beautiful addition to any meal, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 180 g all-purpose flour
• 80 g whole grain flour
• 70 g soft dried figs, diced
• 40 g walnuts, roughly chopped
• 100 g fresh goat cheese, diced (alternatives: feta or brinza)
• 250 g buttermilk

Spices and Seasonings

• 1.5 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• Coarse sea salt to taste
• Freshly ground Tellicherry pepper to taste

Preparation Time

• Total: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole grain flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, and brown sugar.
4. Carefully fold in the chopped figs, walnuts, and diced goat cheese.
5. Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring the mixture until it forms a dough. It should be soft yet manageable.
6. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently form it into a round ball.
7. Place the dough ball onto the prepared baking tray.
8. Using a sharp knife, score the top of the dough deeply in a criss-cross pattern, about 1.5 cm deep.
9. Sprinkle the top with coarse sea salt and freshly ground Tellicherry pepper to your preference.
10. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes. The bread should develop a golden-brown crust.
11. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
12. For best results, allow the bread to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
13. The outside should be crusty, while the inside remains soft and full of delightful flavors.
14. This bread pairs beautifully with fresh salad greens or a medley of olives and cold cuts.

Tips

• Make sure to sift your flour to ensure a light, airy texture.
• If you don't have buttermilk, combine regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar as a substitute.
• For a cheesier flavor, add a handful of grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the mix.

Variations

• For a nuttier taste, try replacing walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts.
• To make it vegan, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese option and buttermilk with plant milk mixed with lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm slices with a dollop of whipped cream cheese or butter for an indulgent treat.
• Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or a rich, aromatic tea.

Best Places

• Chez L'ami Jean - A bustling French bistro known for its rustic bread and cheese selection. Location: 27 Rue Malar, Paris, France.
• Blue Hill at Stone Barns - Offers farm-to-table dining experience. Location: 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, New York, USA.
• The Ledbury - Sophisticated dining with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, Notting Hill, London, UK.
• Noma - Famous for its innovative approach to traditional flavors. Location: Refshalevej 96, 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Attica - Known for its creative cuisine and delectable bread options. Location: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea, Victoria, Australia.
• Bar Tartine - A bakery and restaurant serving unique bread dishes. Location: 561 Valencia St, San Francisco, California, USA.
• Pujol - Celebrated for its exquisite Mexican dishes and homemade bread. Location: Tennyson 133, Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico.
• El Celler de Can Roca - An avant-garde culinary experience. Location: Can Sunyer 48, Girona, Spain.
• Osteria Francescana - Offers a modern twist on Italian classics. Location: Via Stella 22, Modena, Italy.
• Central - Known for celebrating Peruvian ingredients and flavors. Location: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco, Lima, Peru.