Parma Ham, Fig and Blue Cheese Spaghetti

This is a sumptious treat of a dish. It’s probably not one for every night of the week, but when you need something a bit special on a Monday night it’s the perfect meal.

Figs have just come into season – make the most of them! This combination, with parma ham and blue cheese, is a classic.

I think the mix works beautifully with spaghetti, but really you could use any shape of pasta.

I used fresh spaghetti, and the meal took less than 10 minutes to make. The quantities below will serve at least four hungry people.

Parma Ham, Fig and Blue Cheese Spaghetti

1 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion

100g parma ham

4 figs

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1 tbsp runny honey

500g fresh spaghetti

250g mascarpone

40g blue cheese

1. Put a large pan of water on to boil and cook the spaghetti according to packet instructions.

2. In the meantime, chop the onion and add to a saute pan with the olive oil. Cook for 2 minutes, then tear up the slices of parma ham into small strips and add to the pan.

3. When the parma ham has started to crisp, cut each fig into six segments and add to the pan. Add te thyme and drizzle over the honey.

4. When the spaghetti is cooked, drain all of the cooking water apart from 100ml. Put the spaghetti back in the pan it was cooked in and stir in the mascarpone. It will melt in the heat from the spaghetti.

5. Tip the parma ham and fig mix into the spaghetti pan and stir well. Season with salt and pepper.

6. To serve, top each bowl of spaghetti with a crumbling of blue cheese.