Macerated Strawberries with Fig Leaf Syrup, Crème Fraîche, Toasted Pine Nuts

Sweet, tender strawberries, gently macerated and drizzled with fig leaf syrup, paired with tangy crème fraîche and a delicate crunch of toasted pine nuts—a harmony of flavour and texture in every bite.

INGREDIENTS

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Strawberries

500g prepared strawberries, cut into halves and quarters

50g fig leaf syrup

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Crème Fraîche

200g crème fraîche

Little vanilla essence

Pinch of salt

Small amount of fig leaf syrup

1 tbsp toasted pine nuts

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Fig Leaf Syrup

4–6 fig leaves, washed and finely cut

200g caster sugar

100g water

Pinch of salt

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Assembly

Little basil, ripped

Fresh lemon zest, microplaned

Macerated strawberries

Crème fraîche

Fig leaf syrup

  • Extra toasted pine nuts

Method

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Strawberries

Drizzle the strawberries with the fig leaf syrup.

Leave to macerate for 3–4 hours, stirring regularly.

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Crème Fraîche

Mix the crème fraîche with vanilla, salt, and a little fig leaf syrup.

Set aside until assembly.

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Fig Leaf Syrup

Bring water and sugar to a simmer.

Add the fig leaves and allow to infuse, then leave to cool.

Leave to marinate for a few hours or up to a day for full flavour.

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Assembly

Place the macerated strawberries into a bowl.

Add a spoon of crème fraîche on top.

Drizzle over some fig leaf syrup.

Sprinkle over the toasted pine nuts.

Garnish with ripped basil and a light microplane of lemon zest.