Stuffed Figs with Chicken & Tamarind Sauce

• 18 large figs fresh or dried
• olive oil

The filling:

• 1 onion medium. chopped finely
• olive oil for frying
• 1 whole chicken breast cut into 1/4 inch cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom freshly ground
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
• pinch ground cloves
• salt

The sauce:

• 100 grams tamarind paste (can be purchased in health food stores or Middle Eastern stores)
• 2 figs fresh or dried
• 1 liter ice water
• 2 ½ tablespoons brown sugar

Alternatives:

• 4 tablespoons brown sugar + juice from 1/2 lemon can be used instead of tamarind paste