Bon Appétit (November 2015)
The trend is clear: vinegar is showing up all over Thanksgiving menus this year.
Here, it's in the form of an agrodolce, that Italian glaze that's sweet and sour and lip-smackin' delicious. We've only made an agrodolce twice before -- once as a glaze for salmon, and once for pork. Both were really good.
Would an agrodolce be just as good on roasted squash?
If you're not familiar with an agrodolce, it might sound fancy or intimidating. But it's really just a mix of vinegar and a sweetener -- in this case honey -- that you reduce until it's thick.
But there's one thing about this agrodolce that makes it different from any we've seen before: heat. Kind of serious heat, actually. With Fresno chiles and a hefty dose of red pepper flakes, this sauce has got quite a little kick.
Which brings us to the million-dollar question: Should you serve this at Thanksgiving? On the one hand, it's very tasty. The agrodolce (which also has golden raisins!) is delicious, and the squash are, of course, autumnal and delicious and appropriate. Some of our guests thought this was the best thing on the menu.
But we will say, it's a little out-there. We're both strongly in favor of mixing it up when it comes to Thanksgiving. Throw a few curve balls in there to jazz up your traditional fare. We're just not 100 percent sure this is the right curve ball.
If you do make this for Thanksgiving, we think you'll like it.
And if you don't, save the recipe for another meal. It really is tasty.
Have you made an agrodolce before? What about a spicy one with chile peppers and pepper flakes? Does this sound like something you'd want to add to your Thanksgiving table? Let us know in the comments!
Winter Squash Agrodolce
Bon Appétit (November 2015), recipe by Chris Morocco
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(This photo: Christopher Testani/Bon Appétit)
Servings: 8
INGREDIENTS
1 2-pound kabocha squash, peeled, seeds removed, cut into 1-inch wedges
2 delicata or dumpling squashes, seeds removed, cut into 1-inch wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
2 Fresno chiles, thinly sliced
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons golden raisins, chopped
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400°. Place kabocha and delicata squash on separate large rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle with oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast, tossing occasionally, until squashes are golden brown and tender, 30–35 minutes for kabocha and 20–25 minutes for delicata.
Meanwhile, bring chiles, vinegar, honey, raisins, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer until syrupy, 8–10 minutes.
Brush half of warm agrodolce over warm squash. Transfer to a platter.
Just before serving, reheat remaining agrodolce, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen. Spoon over squash.
Do Ahead: Dish can be made 3 hours ahead. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature.
