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raisin and pine nut agrodolce
© Cedric Angeles

Raisin and Pine Nut Agrodolce

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  • ACTIVE: 10 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 45 MIN
  • SERVINGS: Makes about 3 cups
  • •BASIC-EASY
  • •FAST
  • •HEALTHY
  • •MAKE-AHEAD
  • •VEGETARIAN

Agrodolce is the term for any Italian sweet-and-sour sauce made with vinegar and sugar. This superchunky version with golden raisins, red grapes and toasted pine nuts is more like a compote and is fantastic with the spice-roasted chicken.

  1. 1 cup golden raisins
  2. 1 cup warm water
  3. 1/2 cup pine nuts
  4. 2 cups red wine vinegar
  5. 1 cup sugar
  6. 1 red onion, finely chopped
  7. 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
  8. 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  9. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  10. Salt
  1. In a bowl, cover the raisins with the warm water and let stand until plumped, about 10 minutes. Drain.
  2. In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over moderate heat until fragrant and golden brown, about 4 minutes. Let cool.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, red onion and fennel seeds. Simmer over moderate heat until thickened, about 25 minutes. Pour into a heatproof bowl and let cool to room temperature.
  4. Stir the raisins, pine nuts, grapes and olive oil into the syrup. Season lightly with salt and serve.