Romesco-Style Tomato Sauce

A savory and versatile sauce with a perfect balance of flavors, ideal for enhancing dishes like grain bowls, cheeseboards, and seafood.

Ingredients

2	tomatoes, or two 14oz cans (fire-roasted works well here)
1	onion, peeled
2	red peppers, or one large pepper
3	tablespoons whole almonds, unsalted
2	tablespoons butter
3	tablespoons olive oil
1	teaspoon smoked paprika
3	tablespoons dry sherry
	salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• 1. Begin by charring the peppers. Using tongs, char the peppers whole over a gas burner until lightly blackened. Alternatively, you can use the broiler for this step. Once charred, place the peppers in a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap, allowing the smoke to infuse the flesh.
  2. In a blender, combine the garlic, onion, tomatoes, and almonds until smooth. Don't worry if the almonds don't blend completely; their texture adds a delightful element to the sauce.
  3. After the peppers have cooled slightly, remove the flesh from the core and add it to the sauce mixture. There's no need to peel the peppers.
  4. Transfer the blended sauce to a saucepan. Add olive oil, butter, 2 tablespoons of sherry, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 35-45 minutes, ensuring to cover the sauce to prevent spattering.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more sherry, salt, and pepper to your preference. This Romesco-style sauce is a delicious accompaniment to various dishes, offering a delightful flavor profile that complements grain bowls, cheeseboards, and seafood wonderfully.

Jul 20, 2024