By Sky Hanka, MS, NBC-HWC |
October 9, 2024
About This Recipe
Romesco sauce is a traditional Catalonian sauce made with roasted red bell peppers, tomatoes, almonds, and smoky spices. This version includes turmeric and paprika for added flavor and phytonutrient benefits. It’s perfect for pairing with grilled vegetables, fish, chicken, or as a dip for bread. The optional addition of cottage cheese is another way to layer in protein sources and enjoy more of the sauce without calorie concerns.
Highlights:
- Red Bell Peppers: High in vitamins A and C.
- Almonds: A good source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E.
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, known for it’s anti-inflammatory effects.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a antioxidant that has been known to support heart health.
- Garlic: Contains compounds with potent medicinal properties, such as allicin, which has antimicrobial and immuno-supportive effects.
- Optional: Adding cottage cheese helps add protein content in this recipe as well as adding additional potassium, calcium, and B12. It also lessens the spiciness of the sauce.
How to Prepare Romesco Sauce Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1.5 cups
Ingredients
- 2 large roasted red bell peppers (or 1- 14 ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained)
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, packed in olive oil, drained
- 1/2 cup almonds, toasted
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Tomatoes: If using dehydrated sundried tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water for about 20 minutes, then drain.
- Blend: In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, rehydrated sundried tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), almonds, garlic, turmeric powder, and ground ginger. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Add Seasonings: Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Blend briefly to mix.
- Serve: Transfer the sauce to a bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Romesco sauce can be served with grilled vegetables, fish, chicken, or as a dip for bread.
Culinary Tips
- Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more olive oil or water if it’s too thick.
- Flavor: Let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serving Suggestions: Romesco sauce pairs well with grilled vegetables, fish, chicken, or as a dip for crusty bread.
Ingredient Notes
- Nuts: Almonds are the traditional choice for Romesco sauce, but you can substitute them with other nuts or seeds if needed.
- Tomatoes: Roasted cherry tomatoes can be a good alternative if you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes.
- Vinegar: If you don’t have red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar can be used.
- Heat: For a milder sauce, omit the cayenne pepper. For extra smokiness, you can add a bit more smoked paprika.
Smoky Sun-Dried Tomato Romesco Sauce Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1.5 cups
Romesco sauce is a traditional Catalonian sauce made with roasted red bell peppers, tomatoes, almonds, and smoky spices. This version includes turmeric and paprika for added flavor and phytonutrient benefits. It's perfect for pairing with grilled vegetables, fish, chicken, or as a dip for bread.
Ingredients
2 large roasted red bell peppers (or 1- 14 ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained)
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, packed in olive oil, drained
1/2 cup almonds, toasted
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp turmeric powder
½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (optional)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Tomatoes: If using dehydrated sundried tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water for about 20 minutes, then drain.
Blend: In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, rehydrated sundried tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), almonds, garlic, turmeric powder, and ground ginger. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
Add Seasonings: Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Season: Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Blend briefly to mix.
Serve: Transfer the sauce to a bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Romesco sauce can be served with grilled vegetables, fish, chicken, or as a dip for bread.
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1 ounce (2-3 tbsp)
Calories Per Serving: 39 kcal
| Total Fat | 2.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.3 mg |
| Sodium | 78 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
| Calcium | 1 % |
| Vitamin A | 0 % |
| Vitamin C | 4 % |
| Iron | 1 % |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |