Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Squash Agrodolce

This vibrant and hearty Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Squash Agrodolce is one of those dishes that brings together everything you want in a comforting vegetarian meal—sweetness from slow-cooked squash and onions, richness from olives and pine nuts, and a sharp lift from red wine vinegar. I made it on a cool autumn evening, and it instantly warmed the kitchen with its inviting Mediterranean aroma. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 1 butternut squash (1.2kg)
• 2 onions
• 150g mixed marinated olives
• 100g pine nuts
• 500g mixed seasonal greens (e.g., rainbow chard, cavolo nero, spinach)

How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Squash Agrodolce

1. Prepare the Veggies: Start by giving the butternut squash a good scrub. No need to peel—it softens beautifully and adds a rustic touch. Halve, deseed, and dice into 1cm cubes. Peel and dice the onions to the same size for even cooking.
2. Cook the Base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the diced squash and onions. Cook gently for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash begins to soften and caramelize slightly.
3. Add the Agrodolce Element: Pour in 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. It will sizzle and smell amazing. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for another 25 minutes. This long, slow simmer is key to getting those sweet, melting textures and balanced flavor.
4. Add Olives and Pine Nuts: Roughly chop the olives (remove any stones) and stir them into the pan along with the marinating liquid for extra depth. Add the pine nuts and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together gently.
5. Prep the Greens: Trim any tough stalks from your greens. Blanch in boiling salted water for 30 seconds—just long enough to soften them without dulling their color. Drain and cool slightly, then wrap them in a clean tea towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Roughly chop.
6. To Serve: Lay a generous mound of greens on each plate and spoon the warm squash mixture over the top. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil if you like. This dish is just as delicious warm as it is at room temperature.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something so cozy and satisfying about the sweet and sour flavors of agrodolce. The squash becomes buttery soft, the onions practically melt, and then those briny olives and crunchy pine nuts just take it over the top. It’s also a brilliant way to use seasonal produce and greens that might be lingering in your fridge.

Recipe Tips

• Leave the skin on: It becomes tender and adds texture—plus, no peeling means less prep!
• Chop evenly: Cutting the squash and onions to the same size ensures everything cooks at the same pace.
• Be patient with the cook time: The long simmer is key for that deep, sweet flavor.
• Blanch don’t boil: Greens only need a quick 30-second dip—don’t overcook.
• Wring out those greens: This prevents your final dish from becoming watery.

How To Store & Reheat Squash Agrodolce

• Store: Let everything cool before transferring to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze this dish! Let it cool completely, then freeze in a container for up to 3 months. Label it with the date.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil. Microwave works too—just stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use a different squash?
  Totally! Kabocha or acorn squash works well—just keep the cubes even.
• Is this vegan?
  Yes, as long as your olives and marinating liquid are free of animal products.
• Can I toast the pine nuts separately?
  Absolutely—it adds an extra nutty depth if you toast them in a dry pan before adding.
• What’s agrodolce?
  It means “sweet and sour” in Italian, and it’s a classic flavor combo made with vinegar and something sweet (in this case, the squash and onions).
• What else can I serve it with?
  Crusty bread, couscous, or a poached egg on top would be amazing additions!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 470 kcal
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 3.1g
• Protein: 10.5g
• Carbohydrates: 37.1g
• Sugars: 20.9g
• Fiber: 7.8g
• Salt: 1.8g

Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:

• 5 Ingredients Stuffed Courgettes
• 5 Ingredients Rummaniyeh
• 5 Ingredients Winter Greens Gnocchi
• 5 Ingredients Aubergine Flatbreads