Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
- 1/2 cup almonds, toasted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the bell peppers in half and remove the seeds and stems.
2. Place the peppers cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until the skin is charred and blistered.
3. Remove the peppers from the oven and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let them steam for 10-15 minutes.
4. Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and discard it.
5. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peppers, toasted almonds, minced garlic, olive oil, sherry vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
6. Blend the ingredients until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 1/2 cups of sauce
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Total fat: 11g
- Saturated fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total carbohydrate: 5g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of almonds, you can use hazelnuts or pine nuts.
- If you don't have sherry vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
- If you don't have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Variations:
- Add a roasted tomato or two to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Use the sauce as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish.
- Stir the sauce into cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful meal.
Tips and tricks:
- To toast the almonds, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake them in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- If you like a spicier sauce, add more smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
- The sauce can be served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, you can gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sauce in a small bowl or ramekin alongside grilled meats or vegetables.
- Drizzle the sauce over roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- Use the sauce as a dip for raw vegetables or crackers.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top of the sauce.
- Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top of the sauce.
Pairings:
- The smoky flavor of the sauce pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables.
- Serve the sauce with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots
- Grilled or roasted chicken or fish
- Crusty bread or pita chips for dipping
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water or olive oil to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, add more almonds or roasted peppers to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to roast the peppers until the skin is charred and blistered to ensure that they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after a week.
Food history:
- Romesco sauce originated in the Catalonia region of Spain and is traditionally made with roasted red peppers, almonds, and bread crumbs.
Flavor profiles:
- The sauce has a smoky, slightly sweet flavor from the roasted peppers and the nuttiness of the almonds. The smoked paprika adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sauce as a condiment for grilled meats or vegetables.
- Use the sauce as a dip for raw vegetables or crackers.
- Stir the sauce into cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful meal.
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Region: Spanish