Roasted Red Pepper Romesco Sauce (No Nuts)
A quick, no-nuts version of romesco — the roasted peppers alone give it all the body it needs. Ready in about 20 minutes, and it keeps in the fridge for whatever you want to spoon it over next.
Ingredients
Yield: About 1 cup sauce
- 2 red bell peppers or one 16-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional (for an extra smoky flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne or to taste
- ⅓ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- If using fresh bell peppers, preheat the broiler to high, with the top rack placed 6-8 inches from the heat source. Place 2 red bell peppers on a small rimmed baking sheet (line the pan with foil for easier clean up).
- Broil the peppers until the skin is blackened and they're soft and collapsed, turning frequently to roast evenly on all sides. You can also roast the peppers on an outdoor grill or right on top of a stovetop gas burner. Let the peppers cool until you can handle them, then peel off the skin and remove the stem and seeds.
- Put the peeled, roasted peppers or drained jarred peppers in a food processor work bowl. Add 1 garlic clove,½ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne. Pulse until combined, then start pouring ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oiln a steady stream while running the machine. Process until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste for seasoning, adding more salt, cayenne or a touch of vinegar to adjust.
Video
Notes
Romesco sauce keeps well up to a week, refrigerated. Bring to room temperature for best flavor before serving.
- The peppers can be roasted up to 5 days ahead. Keep them in a covered container in the refrigerator, then proceed with step 3 of the recipe.
- Sherry vinegar is worth seeking out — it's rounder and less sharp than other vinegars. Some people say it falls somewhere between white wine and balsamic vinegar, but without the sweetness of the latter. If you can't find it, just use a good red wine vinegar.
Nutrition
Calories: 177kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 18gSodium: 294mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
