Hello to all members of this great community! And if you're new here, then welcome to Paulina Cocina ! Your new trusted website. Today we bring you a recipe straight from the culinary heart of Catalonia: Romesco Sauce . A versatile ingredient to pair with many dishes, but also to enjoy simply on bread.
This sauce surprises anyone who tries it for the first time, because in addition to tomatoes, peppers, garlic and other typical sauce ingredients, it has nuts , and... toasted bread? Yes, toasted bread, ladies and gentlemen!
In this article, we'll explore the entire world of romesco sauce: its origins, the details of its ingredients, how they're combined, and some suggestions for dishes to enjoy with this Catalan sauce that invites you to travel with its distinctive flavor.
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About the romesco sauce
Romesco sauce is a sauce of Catalan origin, made primarily with tomatoes , roasted red peppers, almonds, hazelnuts, garlic, and olive oil . Its texture is generally thick and its flavor is balanced, with notes of nuts, tomato, and roasted garlic .
This sauce, rooted in Mediterranean culture, is so versatile that it can accompany a wide range of dishes, from fish and seafood to roasted vegetables and grilled meats.
Origin of the recipe
The history of traditional romesco sauce is intertwined with the lives of the region's fishermen and payeses (farmers). This sauce is said to have its roots in Tarragona, where fishermen made a mixture of basic ingredients such as almonds, toasted bread, red pepper, garlic, and olive oil .
These simple and accessible ingredients formed the basis of the romesco sauce recipe , which was later adapted and enriched with the region's authentic flavors. Over the years, this sauce has become a symbol of Catalan cuisine, like escudella or pan con tomate .
What can't be missing in a good romesco sauce
The essence of romesco sauce lies in its harmonious combination of ingredients. Toasted almonds add crunch and nutty flavor, while roasted red peppers add a touch of sweetness and color.
Garlic and extra virgin olive oil add depth and character, while tomato and vinegar contribute a fresh, acidic note.
All of these ingredients are essential for giving body and cohesion, while the bread and hazelnuts complete the mixture, which is seasoned with a touch of ñora pepper or paprika.
The keys to this preparation
Preparing traditional is a culinary ritual that begins with roasting the peppers and tomatoes , which intensifies their flavors and gives them a smoky taste. Then, the almonds and bread are toasted to enhance the aromas and textures.
Once all the ingredients are ready, they are ground or blended with olive oil, vinegar and paprika , until a rustic paste is obtained.
The difference between two Catalans: Romesco vs. Calçots
The confusion between romesco sauce and calçot sauce is understandable, as both are creations from the Catalan region and share some ingredients. However, there is one key difference that sets them apart.
The traditional romesco sauce recipe is made with ñoras, a type of dried sweet paprika; calçots sauce, on the other hand, is made with choricero pepper , another variety with a more acidic but milder flavor, and is commonly used to flavor pork products , hence its name.
Calsçots sauce is specifically designed to accompany calçots , grilled spring onions typical of calçotada celebrations. Unlike romesco sauce, calçots sauce has a lighter texture and focuses on the flavors of the roasted calçots.
3 tricks for preparing romesco sauce
- For a more intense flavor , lightly toast the almonds, and spread a little garlic (a clove of garlic cut in half) on the toasted bread.
- For a smoother texture , a blender can be used instead of a mortar and pestle.
- The amount of vinegar and oil can vary according to personal taste, consistency and acidity.
5 dishes to enjoy Catalan sauce
- Fish and seafood : Romesco sauce is a perfect complement to white fish such as sea bass, cod, or sea bream . It also works very well with seafood such as prawns, shrimp, or grilled octopus.
- Grilled Meats: This delicious sauce also pairs perfectly with meats like chicken, pork, or lamb . Its bold flavor and smoky notes will blend beautifully with the juiciness of the meat.
- Roasted vegetables: Eggplants, peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms benefit greatly from the texture and flavor of this sauce. They can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.
- Rice and pasta dishes: Romesco sauce can add a Mediterranean touch when mixed with seafood paellas , risottos, or pasta.
- Tapas and Appetizers: Finally, the delicate flavor of this sauce works great as a dip for fresh vegetable crudités, toasted bread, pita bread , or homemade chips .
I hope you've taken note of all the tips and tricks we've just reviewed. Now it's time to get your hands on the action, and here are the step-by-step instructions so you can make homemade romesco sauce without any complications!
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Romesco sauce recipe
Yields: 1 cup
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 red peppers
- 2 mature tomatoes
- 100 g of almonds
- 50 g of hazelnuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 50 g of toasted bread
- 1 teaspoon of ñora or sweet paprika
- A few drops of hot sauce (to taste)
- 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil
- 20 ml of red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
How to make traditional romesco sauce in 5 steps
- Roast the peppers and tomatoes in the oven until tender and the skins are loose.
- Toast the almonds and hazelnuts in a pan until golden.
- In a mortar or food processor, grind the toasted almonds, hazelnuts, garlic cloves, toasted bread, and ñora pepper or paprika until you obtain a paste.
- Add the roasted peppers and tomatoes and continue blending until smooth.
- Add the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar and blend until the sauce reaches the desired consistency (you can also blend it in a food processor or food processor for a smoother texture). Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and vinegar to suit your personal taste. Ready!
