Greek Yoghurt with Roast Figs, Honey and Pistachios

A healthy dessert recipe from the Eastern Mediterranean. Greek yoghurt with roast figs, honey and pistachios create a sweet and silky guilt-free sweet treat!

Thick, plain, full-fat ‘Greek’ yoghurt is a staple not only in Greece, but around the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It is often eaten for breakfast with a simple drizzle of honey. When I spent time studying in Greece, I was surprised to find that it was served every single morning. At the time, I was not really a big fan of yoghurt in any form, so to have to suddenly start forcing it down was a bit…erm…challenging. However, it wasn’t long before I began to get used to its unique sour taste. I can’t pretend we became the best of friends, but I also can’t deny it seemed to agree with me and I felt good on it.

Sadly, I have long since fallen out of the yoghurt-eating routine, but in light of its well-documented health benefits, I have recently been trying to train myself to become accustomed to it again. I must say, it is definitely growing on me. If you are not already an habitual yoghurt-eater (or you are used to sugary, rubbish-filled pseudo-yoghurts) you may find it is an acquired taste. Should this apply to you, it may be best not to begin your yoghurt training first thing in the morning. Be sensible and have a few desserts first! This recipe is a perfect way to ease yourself into the habit and the contrast between the tangy yoghurt, the sweet, sticky honeyed figs and crunchy pistachios is a delight.

Be sure to use real, full-fat Greek Yoghurt that has been strained to remove the liquid whey. Also try to find one that does not contain added sugar, sweeteners, fruit or any other preservatives or fillers. A good yoghurt should really just contain one ingredient: milk.