Name: Maple Agrodolce
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Makes about ⅓ cup
Ingredients: ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 2 tablespoons minced shallot; 2 tablespoons chopped golden raisins; Pinch red pepper flakes; Pinch table salt

Why This Recipe Works

This easy, elegant sauce is the perfect accompaniment to cuts of pork, such as our Pan-Seared Thick-Cut, Bone-In Pork Chops. Using maple syrup as a sweetener in place of sugar contributed viscosity, enhancing cling, and an attractive glossiness. Plump raisins added pleasing texture, and minced shallot and red pepper flakes amped up the savoriness, keeping the sauce from becoming cloying.

Instructions

Bring all ingredients to boil in small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until reduced and slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes (sauce will continue to thicken as it cools). Serve. (If not using right away, cover to keep warm. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week; rewarm gently before using.)