Agrodolce made with Honey
A wonderfully sweet and tangy sauce that takes a dish to a new level.
Agrodolce is an Italian word meaning bittersweet. It's the perfect name for this amazing sauce that has a bit of sweet and a bit of sour. It can take a basic dish and enhance the flavors through a combination of vinegar, oil, and alliums (onion family), honey, and some spice. It's a favorite in our household when mixed with vegetables. Roasted vegetables are delicious just by themselves, but if you want to bring it to a new level, try adding agrodolce.
Vinegar
Agrodolces are made many different ways. A variety of vinegars can be used, depending on the flavors you're looking for. I personally enjoy both red wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar, with apple cider vinegar having a slightly sweeter flavor. Rice vinegar has a very sweet flavor, but this would not be considered paleo due to rice being a grain. Some recipes call for balsamic as well.
Sweeteners
Cane sugar and honey are commonly used sweeteners in agrodolces. Since paleo diets avoid sugar, this recipe is an agrodolce made with honey. The added bonus of honey is that it has more intense flavor than cane sugar. Some recipes also include dried fruits like raisins or apricots that bring their own unique flavors and sweetness.
How to Make Agrodolce
This agrodolce made with honey is so easy to make. The first step is thinly slicing the shallots and place in a bowl, pour over the apple cider vinegar, then let rest in the vinegar for 15-20 minutes. This mellows the sharpness of the shallot while also adding flavor to the vinegar. Then add honey and mix it well so it dissolves. Finally add the garlic, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and thyme.
It's that easy, but it makes a big impact on your dish. This particular agrodolce works well with roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and asparagus. Pour it over the vegetables and stir to mix.
Have fun with your agrodolce and try it on a variety of vegetable combinations. If you have extra agrodolce to store, place it in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the oil solidifies in the refrigerator, let sit at room temperature or slightly warm in a pot on the stove prior to serving.
Enjoy!
Agrodolce made with Honey
Ingredients
- 1 medium shallot
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar see notes
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Thinly slice the shallot and place in a bowl. It's best if the rings are separated. Pour apple cider vinegar over the shallots and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Add honey and stir into the vinegar until dissolved. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, crushed red pepper, and thyme.
- Pour over roasted vegetables and serve.
- Leftovers can be stored in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the oil solidifies in the refrigerator, set out at room temperature or slightly warm in a pot on the stove prior to serving.