Dried Figs Compressed with Sesame Seeds and Walnuts

Dried Figs Compressed with Sesame Seeds and Walnuts is a traditional Middle Eastern confection, particularly associated with the coastal city of Latakia, Syria. The dish consists of dried figs that are mashed or ground into a dense paste, then mixed with toasted sesame seeds and chopped walnuts. The mixture is pressed into a block or bar, often sliced and served as a sweet snack or dessert. Its origins lie in the region’s abundant fig harvests and the long-standing culinary practice of preserving fruit with nuts and seeds.

A great version is distinguished by the quality and balance of its ingredients. The figs should be intensely sweet and chewy, not overly dry, while the walnuts provide a mild, buttery crunch and the sesame seeds add a nutty, aromatic finish. The compression must be firm enough to hold together without being hard, allowing the flavors to meld. Mark Wiens, who visited George’s Chocolate Shop in Latakia, Syria, praised the shop’s rendition for its perfect texture and the way the natural sweetness of the figs complemented the toasted sesame and walnuts.

Regional variations exist across the Levant. In some areas, the figs are layered with whole walnuts rather than chopped, or the sesame seeds are replaced with aniseed or fennel seeds for a licorice-like note. Other versions may include a hint of cinnamon or rose water. George’s Chocolate Shop, a historic venue in Latakia, is renowned for its artisanal take on this classic, often using locally sourced figs and hand-toasted sesame seeds to achieve a superior depth of flavor.