Agrodolce

An Italian inspired sweet and sour condiment delicious over everything think roasted vegetables, chicken, fish, grains and so much more. Agro means sour, dolce means sweet in Italian.

I recently stumbled upon Agrodolce and it has been life changing for me. Its one of those things you wonder how did I miss this all my life. This deliciously sweet and sour Italian condiment is easily the most versatile way to awaken your senses and inject flavor to a dish. It’s a delicious combination of vinegar with sugar, honey, or maple syrup, then adding fruit, nuts, vegetables, herbs and spices. For this recipe I skipped the sugar and relied on raisins to add the sweet component long with a little honey. I like white balsamic vinegar for its mild elegant flavor but any light colored vinegar will do. Also try cranberries or pomegranate in place of raisins.

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Agrodolce, MAKES 11/2 CUPS

Ingredients

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup whole roughly chopped raw almonds, skin on ( you can use less if you wish)
• 1 cup white balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 
• 3/4-1 cup golden raisins
• 1 medium red onion, sliced very thin
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest, almost a whole lemon
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Sea salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Add olive oil to a large skillet or frying pan and add the chopped almonds set over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-10 minutes, until the almonds are golden brown and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool. (Don’t walk away fo the nuts they burn very quickly)
2. Add the white balsamic vinegar and honey or maple to a large bowl and stir to combine. Add the raisins, stir and let sit for at least 10 minutes to soften the raisins, stirring from time to time.
3. When the almonds have cooled completely, it should be crunchy, add them to the raisin vinegar mixture along with the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine. 
4. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.