Bacon and Banana Parcels on Figs

Banana and Bacon Parcels on Figs

After sampling this pintxo during our feasting frenzy in San Sebastian, I tried it out on the Kurland family in St Malo. It went down a treat. The perfect party food, pretty to look at with the vibrant green of the fig and rocket, contrasting with the yellow banana peeking out each end of the pinky brown bacon. It dosen't require utensils or more than one hand to eat, just one exquisit mouthful held together on a mini skewer, meaning you don't have to put your drink down or worry about wearing it on your frock. So easy to prepare a monkey or your boyfriend could do it, and can be done so, ahead of time with just a quick blast under the grill before serving, leaving you free to be your charming self as you bask in the praise of your admiring friends.




For this dish you will need
For 18 pintxos
(printable recipe)

• 1 banana
• 6 rashers of streaky bacon or pancetta (if you are of the health concious variety, I have tried this with equal success using Iberico ham. For me though there is no substitute for that succulent fat from the belly of the pig)
• 1 handful of washed rocket
• 9 ripe but firm figs washed and dried
• 18 mini skewers

Begin by slicing the banana in half length ways, then slicing each half into 2cm pieces.
Using the back of a knife stretch each rasher of bacon, then cut into three.
Wrap a piece of the bacon around each piece of banana. Secure with a skewer.
Grill for 5-6 minutes, turning occaionally until the bacon is lovely and crispy brown all over.
Slice each fig in half width ways. Slice the top off so each half sits flat on a plate, seed side up up.
Place a few rocket leaves on each fig half before finishing by attaching a bacon/banana parcel.