Agrodolce” literally means “sour and sweet” in Italian and this Cherry Agrodolce is a perfect example. In Italian cooking, the term refers to a sauce, usually based on vinegar and sugar or honey which can be served with meat or pasta. I like sweet and sour and I like cherries so this recipe is a favorite. I usually pair it with grilled pork tenderloin so I can make the tenderloin while I make the agrodolce. The results are fantastic and both dishes finish at about the same time.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tsp Asian chili sauce (hot)
- 3/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 medium shallots peeled and cut in half lengthwise
- 1 cup fresh (or frozen) pitted sweet cherries
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients before starting the recipe.
- Combine 1/3 cup honey, 1 tsp Asian chili sauce (hot), and 3/4 cup red wine vinegar, in a measuring cup and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat and add 3 medium shallots peeled and halved, cut side down and season with kosher salt.
- Cook shallots, undisturbed until the shallots are beginning to char underneath, about 5 minutes.
- Add reserved vinegar mixture and 1 cup fresh (or frozen) pitted sweet cherries to the cooked shallots and bring to a fast simmer for about 5 - 6 minutes.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer for another 10 minutes and or until until the sauce becomes slightly syrupy.
- Remove from heat, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut up in 2 pieces and stir until absorbed and smooth. Add a teaspoon of vinegar, if needed. Swirl pan to combine butter.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
