Recipe: Braised Figs with Arugula

I work evenings at the flower shop, which means that I've been eating dinner a lot later than I'm used to -- like around 9 or 9:30, sometimes even as late as 10.  I'm usually starving by the time I get home, but I never feel like making an extravagant dinner, nor do I feel like filling myself up with something super heavy a couple hours before going to bed.  That said, this braised figs with arugula recipe from The Vegan Table has definitely come in handy.  My friend turned me onto this recipe a few weeks ago when we made it together for the first time, and I just made it again for dinner on Wednesday. Figs are definitely on their way out, so this recipe is a great way to get your fill of the fruit before the season is over.

Ingredients

I splurged and bought these figs at Zupans. They were 7 dollars, and at least 3 of those dollars probably went towards this silly little crate they came in.  Whatever, Zupans. You win.

1 tablespoon butter (or Earth Balance or Coconut Oil)
I teaspoon sugar
1 pint figs
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 bunch arugula
1 tablespoon olive oil
lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Make it Happen

-Melt butter in a large sauté pan and mix in sugar.
-Place figs face down in the pan and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the face of the fig is sticky and golden around the edges. (I have a bad habit of walking away from the stove while I'm cooking and coming back to an over-boiling, foaming pot of oatmeal or, in this case, slightly over-cooked figs.  Follow the recipe and not my example, and you'll be just fine.)
-Remove from heat and place figs on a plate.
-In the same skillet, heat the balsamic vinegar until it is bubbly, then reduce to a simmer for 4-5 minutes.
-In a bowl, toss the arugula with olive oil and lemon juice, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
-Place arugula on a plate and arrange figs on top. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction, and voilà! Ready to serve!

I'm not vegan, so I like to throw some goat cheese on at the end to give it a little something extra. Enjoy!