SPANISH ROMESCO SAUCE
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Spanish Romesco Sauce is to Spain what Pesto is to Italy. This rich, creamy, nutty and versatile sauce compliments grilled meat, fish and vegetables alike.
Author:
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 2 Red Bell Peppers
  • 4 Plum Tomatoes
  • 3 Cloves Fresh Garlic
  • ½ Cup Hazelnuts
  • ½ Cup Plain Bread Crumbs
  • ¼ Cup + 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1-1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Mild Paprika
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ½ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon Sherry Wine Vinegar
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Place red bell peppers, plum tomatoes and hazelnuts on baking sheet and place in oven.
  4. Roast about 30 minutes until peppers begin to blacken and skin bubbles up.
  5. Watch the hazelnuts which may require less time to toast than the peppers & tomatoes.
  6. Roast the nuts until they are toasty brown.
  7. Remove nuts from oven and roll in a dish towel to remove the skin.
  8. Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, pull off the skin and discard it.
  9. Tear open the peppers, remove the stem and seeds and discard them.
  10. Tear open the tomatoes, remove the seeds and discard them, retaining the juice and flesh.
  11. Place the roasted peppers, tomatoes and hazelnuts in a blender.
  12. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into a small fry pan.
  13. Add the breadcrumbs to the pan and cook, stirring constantly until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
  14. Add breadcrumbs to the blender along with the paprika, salt, pepper, sherry wine vinegar and ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil.
  15. Blend until smooth. Sauce will be thick and somewhat pasty.
  16. Serve at room temperature with your favorite grilled fish, meat or vegetables.
  17. Enjoy!
Notes
Romesco Sauce can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze any leftover sauce for use in the future.
Recipe by After Orange County at http://afterorangecounty.com/2014/06/02/spanish-romesco-sauce/