Romesco Sauce
on Dec 11, 2023, Updated Mar 14, 2024
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Originating from Catalonia, Spain, Romesco sauce is a tantalizing blend of roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and olive oil. Its rich, smoky flavor and smooth, creamy texture make it a favorite in kitchens worldwide.
Romesco sauce is a culinary chameleon, adaptable to various dishes and cuisines. Its robust flavor makes it an ideal marinade for meats and vegetables, infusing them with a smoky, nutty essence that elevates grilling to a new level. In the realm of Italian cuisine, Romesco finds its way into pasta and risotto, offering a Mediterranean twist to these classic dishes.
Its tastes great with seafood; a drizzle over grilled fish or scallops can transform a simple meal into a gourmet experience. The sauce’s versatility extends to breakfast, where it serves as a delicious alternative to traditional spreads on toast or homemade bagels, especially when topped with a poached egg. For vegetarians and vegans, Romesco is a godsend, enriching roasted or raw vegetables with its deep, complex flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatility: Perfect as a dip, spread, or accompaniment to grilled vegetables, fish, and meats.
- Flavorful Depth: The unique combination of roasted peppers and nuts offers a complex, layered taste.
- Health Benefits: Packed with healthy fats from nuts and olive oil, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal.
Recipe Ingredients
- Roasted Red Peppers: Imparts a sweet, smoky base and vibrant color.
- Sundried Tomatoes : Adds a rich tomato tang and depth of flavor.
- Chopped Unsalted Almonds: Provides a nutty taste and creamy texture.
- Olive Oil: Ensures a smooth, richly blended sauce.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Balances with a zesty, sharp acidity.
- Minced Garlic Cloves: Offers an essential, aromatic depth.
- Dry Parsley: Introduces a light, fresh herbal note.
- Paprika: Enhances with a sweet and mildly smoky flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Popular Substitutions and Variations
- Swap almonds with hazelnuts, walnuts, or pine nuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Try using different types of peppers, like piquillo or bell peppers, for varied sweetness and heat.
- Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or cumin for an extra kick.
How To Make Romesco Sauce
Step #1. Gather all of the ingredients for Romesco Sauce.
Step #2. Add all of the ingredients to a blender.
Step #3. Blend until you have a smooth texture sauce. If you don’t have the texture you want you can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil and blend again.
Step #4. Refrigerate until ready to use. Then serve with fresh vegetables, crackers or spread over a fresh piece of bread. You can also add to your favorite sandwich, top a chicken breast, or serve with a fresh fish.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, sunflower seeds or roasted chickpeas can be used as nut-free alternatives.
Stored in an airtight container, it can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
Absolutely! Romesco sauce makes for a flavorful and unique pizza base, offering a delightful alternative to traditional tomato sauce.
Expert Tips
- Have fun with the recipe. Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
- For an authentic flavor, roast your own peppers instead of using jarred ones.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste and health benefits.
- Adjust the acidity with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to suit your palate.
How To Store Romesco Sauce
Place the sauce in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work well for this purpose.
What to Serve with Romesco Sauce
- Grilled Meats and Seafood: The sauce is a perfect complement to grilled chicken, steak, lamb, or seafood like shrimp and fish, enhancing their flavors with its smoky and nutty notes.
- Vegetables: Drizzle Romesco over roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for a flavorful boost.
- Bread and Crostini: Serve it as a spread on toasted bread, crostini, or bruschetta for a simple and tasty appetizer.
- Pasta and Rice Dishes: Mix it into pasta or rice dishes for a Mediterranean flair. It works particularly well with flavors like garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
- Potatoes: Romesco sauce is great with boiled, roasted, or fried potatoes. It’s especially popular with Spanish patatas bravas.
- Eggs: Add a dollop of Romesco sauce to scrambled eggs, omelets, or a savory breakfast bowl for an extra zing.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread it on sandwiches and wraps for a gourmet touch. It pairs well with meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
- Salads: Use it as a dressing for salads, especially those featuring greens, nuts, and cheese.
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Romesco Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces jar roasted red pepper,, drained
- ¼ cup sundried tomatoes, rinsed, drained, and cut into small pieces
- ½ cup chopped unsalted almonds
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves,, minced
- 2 teaspoons dry parsley, you can use fresh or freeze-dry as well
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until you have a smooth texture sauce. If you don’t have the texture you want you can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil and blend again.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- This sauce is excellent when you dip fresh vegetables, your favorite crackers or spread over a fresh piece of bread. You can also add them to your favorite sandwich, top a chicken breast, or serve with a fresh fish.
- Keep the romesco sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the fridge.
- Have fun with the recipe:
Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos.
