Romesco Sauce
If you want to try your own Spanish night at home, check out my recipe for Romesco. Perfect with roast shrimp, grilled vegetables, chicken or pork. The possibilities are endless with this versatile sauce.
1 ancho chile
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1.5 cups small cubes of stale sourdough bread
25 skinned almonds
15 skinned hazelnuts
4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 large jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
2 ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (about 2/3 cup)
1/3 cup dry white wine
2-3 tablespoon olive oil
2-3 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet or spicy depending on your desired heat)
1 Tbs lemon juice
Salt to taste
1. Remove seeds and stem from the ancho chile and place in a bowl. Cover with boiling water, weighing it down with a plate to keep it submerged. Set aside for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add bread cubes and stir until they just begin to turn golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the nuts and continue to stir until they are golden. Next add the garlic, and stir until lightly browned. Finally, add the red peppers. Remove from heat. Season with salt as you go.
3. Drain and chop the chiles, add them to the pan, heat and stir briefly. Add the tomato, stir and cook a minute or so until softened. Remove from heat.
4. Transfer to a food processor or a blender and pulse until a rough paste is formed. With the machine running, slowly pour in the wine and oil. Turn off the machine, add vinegar, paprika, lemon and salt, to taste, then pulse briefly to blend. The sauce will have a slightly nubbly texture.
Yield: 1 1/2 cups.
