Smoky Spanish roasted pepper and almond sauce
Romesco Sauce
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8
2 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Romesco Sauce
Smoky Spanish roasted pepper and almond sauce
★4.7(21)
A bold, smoky sauce made from roasted red peppers, toasted almonds, and smoked paprika. This Catalan classic adds depth to grilled vegetables, seafood, and crusty bread.
10m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Romesco brings together roasted peppers, tomatoes, and toasted nuts into a versatile Spanish sauce. Its smoky, slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with almost anything off the grill.
The best side dishes do not just accompany the main course — they elevate the entire meal. This one brings flavor and personality to the table.
Ingredients
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp sherry vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden, about 4 minutes.
- 2
Combine roasted peppers, almonds, tomato paste, vinegar, and paprika in a food processor.
- 3
Pulse until coarsely blended, scraping down the sides as needed.
- 4
With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil until smooth but still slightly chunky.
- 5
Season with salt and pepper, then let rest 15 minutes for flavors to meld before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal
Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation
Substitutions
AlmondsHazelnuts or walnuts
Hazelnuts are traditional in some Catalan recipes
Sherry vinegarRed wine vinegar
Slightly less complex but works well
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use fire-roasted peppers for even more smoky depth.
Add a small dried guajillo or ancho chile for authentic heat.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight jar for up to 1 week. Freezes for 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 8 servings
Calories110
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein2g
Carbohydrates9g
Fat5g
Fiber180mg
Sugar1g
Sodium3g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do you serve romesco with?
- Grilled vegetables, seafood, crusty bread, or as a sandwich spread.
- Can I use hazelnuts?
- Absolutely—hazelnuts are a traditional alternative to almonds.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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