Romesco Sauce

Ground almonds and bread crumbs give Romesco Sauce a rich graininess and texture more like pesto than “sauce.”

Savory and substantial, with added heat and smokiness from paprika and cayenne, Romesco Sauce makes a delicious appetizer when spread on Bruschetta or crackers.

This piquant, versatile sauce is also great tossed with hot or cold pasta or as a topping for grilled vegetables.

Romesco Sauce

1 cup toasted bread crumbs, see recipe below
½ cup blanched almonds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and seeded
4 Italian tomatoes, fresh or from the can
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spread almonds evenly over a cookie sheet. Make sure nuts are only one layer thick and centered on the sheet. Nuts on the edges of the sheet burn easily.





3. Toast almonds for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally so they toast evenly. Allow to cool.





4. In a food processor coarse chop almonds.
5. Add toasted bread crumbs and garlic. Pulse to incorporate.
6. Add peppers, tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, honey, cayenne pepper and paprika. Blend into a grainy paste.
7. Add salt and pepper. Pulse to incorporate.
8. Serves with bruschetta, toast or crackers.

Serves 8.

Bread Crumbs

Bread crumbs are a great way to use up day-old bread. Use bread crumbs in meatloaf, meatballs, gazpacho, Romesco Sauce, as breading for fried foods—and much more.

Soft Bread Crumbs

1. Cut or tear day-old bread into 1″ pieces.
2. Process in batches in food processor or blender. Store in air-tight container in freezer.

Toasted Bread Crumbs

1. Cut day-old bread into slices and toast in toaster or under broiler—watch carefully as this takes only a minute or less on each side.
2. If using in Mediterranean food you may drizzle with olive oil and rub with a garlic clove. If using in other foods, leave plain.
3. Cut or tear toasted bread into 1″ pieces.
4. Process in batches in food processor or blender. Store in air-tight container in freezer.