Classic Spanish Romesco Sauce
Recipe Introduction
Fancy whipping up something a bit special? Ever heard of romesco ? Honestly, you are missing out! This vibrant Spanish sauce will seriously jazz up your meals.
Quick Hook
Do you fancy a taste of Spain at home? My go-to is romesco . It's a crazy delicious red pepper sauce that’s smoky, nutty, and just a little bit sweet.
Trust me! It will become your new favourite.
Brief Overview
Romesco hails from Catalonia. It is a region in northeastern Spain. Fishermen apparently invented it as a tapas sauce to go with their catch.
It's dead easy to make, only takes about 45 minutes, and makes enough for at least 6 people.
Main Benefits
Packed with vitamins from all those roasted vegetables , this Catalan cuisine staple is actually pretty good for you. It is amazing for summer barbecues and makes even boring old grilled veg taste banging! What makes romesco special? It's the perfect balance of flavours.
Ready to try making this tomato based sauce ? Let's get started! You need two large red bell peppers, four medium tomatoes, and four cloves of garlic.
Oh, and don't forget half a cup of blanched almonds and a quarter cup of hazelnuts!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Romesco Toolkit
Okay, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing Spanish sauce . Seriously, romesco is a game changer. It's like sunshine in a bowl.
This Catalan cuisine staple will take your grilled vegetables dipping sauce game to the next level. Think of it as a jazzed-up red pepper sauce that will impress even your fussiest foodie friends.
Main Ingredients
- 2 large red bell peppers ( 400g ), cored, seeded, quartered
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes ( 500g ), halved
- 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 1/2 cup (75g) blanched almonds
- 1/4 cup (30g) hazelnuts
- 2 slices (about 50g ) day-old crusty bread, torn
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 dried ñora pepper or 1 tsp ñora pepper substitute paste.
Ingredient Quality : Find the reddest, ripest peppers and tomatoes you can. The quality of your olive oil also matters.
Splurge a little! It really elevates the tomato based sauce . You want the best almond and hazelnut dip .
Seasoning Notes
Forget boring! We’re talking depth. Smoked paprika is key. It adds that gorgeous smoky note. A little cayenne adds a cheeky kick.
Don't be shy. If you can't find ñora peppers (often tricky!), a good pinch of sweet paprika will do the trick.
It adds sweetness and umami. This is a fantastic tapas sauce to surprise your friends. Also, be careful with the Romesco sauce pasta .
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Blender or food processor.
Seriously, that's it! No fancy gadgets required. A good baking sheet is essential for roasting the veg. If you haven't got parchment paper, just give the baking sheet a good scrub after.
As for the blender, you could probably use a stick blender if you're in a pinch. But a proper blender or food processor gives the roasted vegetable sauce that silky smooth texture we're after.
Cooking Method: Roasting Veggies for the Ultimate Romesco!
Okay, so you wanna make proper romesco , yeah? The secret is all in the roasting. Honestly, it's the MVP of this Catalan cuisine classic.
You know, the Spanish sauce that's basically sunshine in a jar? Trust me, roasting brings out all the smoky sweetness.
I can't wait to share this red pepper sauce experience with you!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place , darling! Get your red bell peppers (2 large), tomatoes (4 medium), and garlic cloves (4) ready.
Chop the peppers and tomatoes. Leave the garlic unpeeled, we'll deal with that later. Time saving tip, line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
Always wash your veggies before you prep. Safety first!
step-by-step: Easy Peasy Roasting
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Toss the peppers, tomatoes, and unpeeled garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Don't overcrowd!
- Roast for 30 minutes . Look for blistered, slightly charred skins.
- Let the veggies cool slightly before handling.
- Peel the peppers and squeeze out the roasted garlic.
- Continue with the romesco recipe.
Visual cue? They should look like they've been sunbathing on a Spanish beach!
Pro Tips for Next Level Romesco
Don't skip the roasting! It is the most important step for depth of flavor. A common mistake is not roasting long enough.
Another tip? Use good quality olive oil. It makes a difference, I swear. Want to make it ahead? Roast the veggies a day before and store them in the fridge.
It is perfect for dipping grilled vegetables !
Honestly, this tomato based sauce is so versatile. Use it as a grilled vegetables dipping sauce , or stir it through Romesco sauce pasta .
You can thank me later. This almond and hazelnut dip will become your go-to tapas sauce .
Recipe Notes: Let's Get Saucy!
Okay, so you've got the recipe for this amazing Spanish sauce . But before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about a few things.
These are the bits and bobs that will take your romesco from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!" Honestly, these little tweaks are what make all the difference.
I've made this red pepper sauce so many times, and trust me, I've learned a thing or two along the way.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Right, so you've made this gorgeous sauce, now what? Plating is key, you know? Don't just slop it on a plate.
A swirl here, a dollop there...you get the idea. For a real taste of Catalan cuisine , serve it with some grilled vegetables .
Think asparagus, courgettes whatever's in season. And if you're feeling fancy, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley never hurt anyone.
Complementary drinks? A crisp Spanish white wine, or even a refreshing agua fresca will do the trick.
Storage Tips: Keeping the Flavor Alive
So, you've made a batch of this gorgeous tomato based sauce , but you can't possibly eat it all in one go.
No worries. This Romesco sauce pasta will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container.
Freezing? Yep, you can freeze it. Portion it into ice cube trays for easy use later on. Just thaw it out properly before reheating, and give it a good stir.
And honestly, a little bit of olive oil drizzled on top before you freeze will prevent freezer burn. For reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Easy peasy!
Variations: Making it Your Own
Want to shake things up a bit? You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your needs. For a vegan version, just make sure your bread is vegan friendly.
It goes without saying, right? And, if you're gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Simple. Want to make it more seasonal? During the summer months when tomatoes are at their peak, use the ripest, juiciest ones you can find.
It will make the roasted vegetable sauce pop! You can also try adding roasted butternut squash.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Alright, let's talk nutrition. Okay, here's a baker's dozen. Each serving of this almond and hazelnut dip is packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants.
It's got roughly 200 calories, 5 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and 12 grams of carbs. Of course, this is just an estimate.
But honestly, who's counting when it tastes this good? The key health benefits come from the red peppers and tomatoes , which are loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Plus, the nuts provide healthy fats. This tapas sauce is delicious AND good for you.
So, there you have it my notes on making the best romesco sauce ever. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.
I am sure it will be a success!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is romesco, anyway? Is it just fancy ketchup?
Romesco sauce is a vibrant, flavourful sauce originating from Catalonia, Spain. Think of it as ketchup's sophisticated, globe trotting cousin! It's a blend of roasted vegetables like tomatoes and red peppers, nuts, garlic, and olive oil, offering a smoky, nutty, and slightly sweet taste.
It's miles away from your average bottle of Heinz!
Help! I can't find ñora peppers for this romesco recipe. What can I use instead?
Don't fret if you can't track down those elusive ñora peppers! A good substitute is to use 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika in addition to the smoked paprika already in the recipe. You could also add a tiny pinch of dried red pepper flakes for a touch more depth.
You might not get the exact same flavour, but it'll still be a cracking romesco.
How long does romesco last in the fridge, and can you freeze it? I want to make a big batch!
Romesco sauce will happily keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully! Just transfer it to a freezer safe container, leaving a little room for expansion, and it will last for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and give it a good stir before serving.
Can I make romesco vegan, or does it traditionally include dairy?
Great news for plant based eaters! Romesco is naturally vegan, provided you ensure that the bread you're using is also vegan friendly. All the other key ingredients - the roasted veggies, nuts, olive oil, and spices - are naturally plant based. So you can whip up a delicious, cruelty free batch without any worries.
I want to spice things up! Any tips for adding more heat to my romesco?
Absolutely! The recipe already calls for cayenne pepper, but feel free to increase the amount to your liking. You could also add a small, finely chopped chili pepper (like a birds eye) along with the other ingredients before blending. A dash of your favorite hot sauce will work too!
Remember to taste as you go and adjust to your spice tolerance. Don't go full vindaloo right away!
Is romesco sauce healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Romesco sauce is a delicious and relatively healthy condiment. It's packed with nutrients from the vegetables, nuts, and olive oil. You'll get a good dose of vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber. However, be mindful of portion sizes, as it is fairly calorie dense.
Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet, alongside crudités or grilled fish.
Classic Spanish Romesco Sauce
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 200 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 12g |