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Tilapia Agrodolce
Ben Gebo Photography
[donotprint]STRATEGY SESSION: It isn’t unusual to see agrodolce recipes containing 5 to 6 tablespoons of sugar, ¼ cup or more of raisins, and 1/2 cup of olive oil. I’ve reduced all 3 by more than 50% without compromising flavor. It’s true that the honey and raisins still have a high glycemic index, but you can moderate the glycemic load of the meal by serving a side dish of low-glycemic veggies, such as the haricots verts in the photo. If you use a nonstick skillet, the fish can be cooked in a tablespoon of oil. Any more is over-kill.
The Trufflehead version of this classic Italian sweet and sour sauce might more accurately be called “agrodolcetto.” Why? It contains only 1 tablespoon honey and 2 tablespoons raisins instead of the large quantities of these carb-dense, high-GI ingredients found in traditional recipes. And yet, almost nothing is lost in the paring down: the sauce is still bursting with flavor.
The dish is quick, easy, and tasty, and -- if that's not enough-- it has 2 other things going for it. Since the vinegar becomes concentrated when the sauce is reduced, you don’t have to use high-quality (i.e. expensive) balsamic. A cheap commercial grade will do. To top it off, it's planet-friendly: Tilapia qualifies as sustainable seafood.
Serving suggestions: This dish goes beautifully with any simply prepared green vegetable. Green beans, snap peas, or asparagus would be fine. Perhaps surprisingly, it's also delicious with roasted turnips and Brussels sprouts.[/donotprint]
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Jodi Tork
This looks awesome! I can’t wait to try it. I’m always looking for new ways to serve fish. Thanks for another great recipe :)
Deborah
Jodi,
I think you’re really going to like it.
Let me know.
Thanks.
Deborah
deana@lostpastremembered
I haven’t had this in years but just did a sweet sour beef. It is an ancient technique and so good with fish. I like the idea of lessening the sugar load, Deborah. Leave it to you to fix that little problem with the dish.
Deborah
Hi, Deana. I think you’d be happy with the results. All of that sugar really isn’t necessary…
Deborah
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