Romesco Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Almonds

What is Romesco Sauce? Romesco sauce (or romesco dip) is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe typically has a mixture of roasted tomatoes, garlic, and…

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Romesco sauce (romesco dip) is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe includes oil. Flour or ground stale bread thickened Spanish romesco sauces; they are the perfect sauce or dip for fish, meat, vegetables, and crackers. #Sauce #Romescosauce #Spanishromesco #romescorecipe #romesco #homemaderomescosauce #romescodip

What is Romesco Sauce?

Romesco sauce (or romesco dip) is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe typically has a mixture of roasted tomatoes, garlic, and toasted almonds, pine nuts, or hazelnuts. Also, olive or sunflower oil and sundried peppers. Equally, flour or ground stale bread were added to thicken the earlier Spanish romesco sauces. The addition of smoky paprika, sherry vinegar, and cayenne peppers further sharpen this strong-tasting sauce and make it a perfect sauce or dip for fish, meat, vegetables, and crackers. 

On the other hand, this romesco sauce recipe is slightly different from the traditional Spanish romesco because I did a couple of things differently. Please keep reading to see what I did differently. The bottom line is that you can take food that you admire and make it your way. Trust me, you will love this flavorful roasted red pepper, tomato, and nut-based sauce, plus it is versatile! Please do me a favor and put this sauce on anything! By the same token, it is worth knowing that romesco sauce is typically naturally vegan.

Romesco sauce (romesco dip) is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe includes oil. Flour or ground stale bread thickened Spanish romesco sauces; they are the perfect sauce or dip for fish, meat, vegetables, and crackers. #Sauce #Romescosauce #Spanishromesco #romescorecipe #romesco #homemaderomescosauce #romescodip
Romesco is a perfect veggie dip!

The origin of Romesco

Romesco sauce is also known as Spanish Romesco, though currently trendy across the globe, originated in Tarragona (Catalonia region of Spain). This source revealed that initially, fishermen made romesco as sauces for fish. It only makes sense because of how pungent, sour, and acidic this sauce can be; definitely fantastic for any seafood. Anyways, though romesco originated in the Province of Tarragona, Spain, I am grateful to get to know it and enjoy it.🙌🏾

Romesco sauce (romesco dip) is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe includes oil. Flour or ground stale bread thickened Spanish romesco sauces; they are the perfect sauce or dip for fish, meat, vegetables, and crackers. #Sauce #Romescosauce #Spanishromesco #romescorecipe #romesco #homemaderomescosauce #romescodip

Roasted Red Pepper Romesco Sauce Recipe with Skinless Almonds.

Can we all agree that the best way to make any dish (including romesco sauce) is to make it your way? I followed this golden rule and what I am going to share with you today is my version of this classic sauce. To make this version of romesco sauce, I used blanched or skinless almonds that I soaked overnight to soften. This makes the best romesco texture (well, in my opinion). However, this step is optional. Most romesco sauce recipes do not require you to use skinless almonds.

Another thing I do is that I strictly use sundried tomatoes. Understandably, the original romesco calls for fire-roasted tomatoes. I like the taste of sundried tomatoes in this sauce. Also important to me is to roast the garlic alongside the red bell peppers, unlike the traditional romesco sauces that use fresh garlic.

Finally, I like the flavor of nutmeg and Maggi; I do add a dash of each to this romesco sauce recipe! To point out, these are all optional, and your romesco recipe will still taste amazing without them!

Roasted Red Pepper Romesco Sauce Recipe with Skinless Almonds. I like roasting the peppers with a sprinkle of salt and olive oil!
I roast the red bell peppers with a sprinkle of salt and olive oil

Why You Love This Homemade Romesco Sauce Recipe:

  • It has a soft, enjoyable texture from the skinless and soaked almonds.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes bring out the most amazing unique taste that you will never get enough of!
  • This homemade romesco sauce recipe is versatile, perfect for crackers, vegetables, and any food. You can even add some to pasta and use them as bases for salads.
  • It requires only a few ingredients.
  • Keto-friendly; yes, this romesco sauce recipe is keto-friendly with less than 6 grams of carb.
  • Gluten-free and low-carb.
  • Naturally vegan. This is the right keto-vegan sauce you need!
  • Romesco sacude is an excellent addition to a Charcuterie board!
Romesco sauce (romesco dip) is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe includes oil. Flour or ground stale bread thickened Spanish romesco sauces; they are the perfect sauce or dip for fish, meat, vegetables, and crackers. #Sauce #Romescosauce #Spanishromesco #romescorecipe #romesco #homemaderomescosauce #romescodip
I couldn’t stop eating this!!!

Romesco Sauce Ingredients:

  • Almonds (skinless and soaked overnight to soften)
  • Red bell pepper (roasted) or fire-roasted red pepper jar.
  • A handful of sundried tomatoes (about 7 or ¼ cup. Soaked overnight in olive oil)
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Garlic cloves (wrapped in foil and roasted)
  • Lemon (juiced)
  • Smoky paprika
  • Black pepper (or cayenne pepper or crushed red peppers (always add pepper according to your desire
  • Salt to Taste (always add salt according to your taste or health need)
  • Nutmeg (optional)
  • Maggi (optional)
Romesco ingredients: Almonds (skinless and soaked overnight to soften) Red bell pepper (roasted). A handful of sundried tomatoes (about 7 or ¼ cup. Soaked overnight in olive oil). Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic cloves (wrapped in foil and roasted). Lemon (juiced), Smoky paprika, Black pepper (or cayenne pepper or crushed red peppers (always add pepper according to your desire. Salt to Taste (always add salt according to your taste or health need), Nutmeg (optional) and Maggi (optional).

Blanched or Unblanched Almonds:

Certainly, I am team blanched almonds, aka skinless almonds, when making my homemade romesco sauce recipe. However, you will still be okay with their skins on. I guess the best way to find what you may like best is to try a romesco with blanched almonds and try another with unblanched almonds.

In reality, blanching almonds increases the prep time. You can easily cut down on this time by buying already blanched almonds; they are usually a little more expensive. To keep things cost-effective, I blanch the almonds myself. Here’s the simple way to do it!

How to Blanch Almonds:

  1. Boil some water in a pot or pan.
  2. When the water boils, pour the almonds into the boiling water and boil for 1 minute or 60 seconds. 
  3. Drain by pouring in a colander and rinse with cold water. This way, it cools down quickly and equally stops cooking. 
  4. Use your hands and squeeze each almond to remove its skin. Repeat for all the almonds.
Romesco sauce (romesco dip) is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe includes oil. Flour or ground stale bread thickened Spanish romesco sauces; they are the perfect sauce or dip for fish, meat, vegetables, and crackers. #Sauce #Romescosauce #Spanishromesco #romescorecipe #romesco #homemaderomescosauce #romescodip
It is cost-effective to blanch your almonds.

How to Make the Best Romesco Sauce:

  1. Wash and cut the bell peppers, spread them on a baking sheet, and sprinkle a little salt and olive oil. Peel 5 garlic cloves, place in a foil, sprinkle a little salt and olive oil and wrap. Ensure the garlic cloves are securely covered in the foil. Place on the same baking sheet as the red bell peppers. Roast at 350 degrees oven for 30 – 40 minutes or until the peppers look a little charred. Feel free to flip the peppers in between roasting for even cooking.
  2. Add all the ingredients for the romesco sauce to the food processor, starting with the skinless almonds, roasted bell peppers, garlic, paprika, salt, nutmeg, Maggi, lemon juice, and EVOO. Alternatively, you can add all the ingredients except the olive oil and then drizzle the olive oil as you process. 
  3. Process until it becomes paste-like or to the texture you desire. Taste and adjust flavors to your desire; garnish with some EVOO drizzle, crushed red peppers, and almonds.
The process steps of making romesco
Make this sauce as thick or light as you want!

The Uses of Romesco Sauces:

The original use for romesco sauces is generally for fish, seafood, meat, poultry, and grilled vegetables. I have also heard that this sauce is excellent with pasta, am yet to try that one. Personally, I love to use romesco as a dip; we typically make fresh vegetable slices, and this romesco sauce recipe is too good with them. Check out the photo below; here, I have celery stalks, baby carrots, and English cucumber slices. Listen, use the veggies that you like!

Romesco sauce (romesco dip) is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe includes oil. Flour or ground stale bread thickened Spanish romesco sauces; they are the perfect sauce or dip for fish, meat, vegetables, and crackers. #Sauce #Romescosauce #Spanishromesco #romescorecipe #romesco #homemaderomescosauce #romescodip

On the other hand, my husband’s favorite THING to dip in this sauce is crackers. And not just any crackers, these ones – sociables! Apple slices go well with romesco dip as well. Also, smash this sauce on flatbread, focaccia, and toast, and you will not regret it.

Ultimately, my healthy charcuterie board will be incomplete without my almighty romesco sauce! This is one sauce you wanted representing on any graving board: summer, winter, or Christmas charcuterie boards. 

Easy to make healthy charcuterie board is vegetarian (no meat) and more nutritious than most cheese boards. Packed with summer fruits, brined veggies, dried fruits, and nuts, this is the only vegetarian charcuterie board recipe you will ever need! The best thing about a charcuterie board is that it is very customizable, so a charcuterie at BBQs, picnics, parties, and gatherings is a great idea! If you are looking for a 4th of July charcuterie board or summer charcuterie board idea, I got you! This board has the perfect red, white and blue patriotic colors to celebrate American Independence. #charcuterie #healthycharcuterie #Vegetariancharcuterie

Overall, you can even find new uses for romesco as a sauce, dip, or dressing. This naturally vegan romesco sauce recipe will win your heart!

How to Store Leftover Romesco Sauce.

You can scoop the leftover of this sauce into a jar or any container. Then place in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If you wish to store them for longer, I recommend storing them in the freezer using a freezer-friendly container.

VARIATIONS:

Make it Nut-free. Fortunately, you can make this romesco sauce recipe nut-free by excluding the almonds and using seeds instead. Pumpkin or sunflower seeds would make great substitutes. 

Romesco Sauce without Tomatoes? Heck yeas! I see this recipe still working pretty well without the sundried tomatoes. Just make sure to have enough roasted red bell peppers.

Make it Thicker/Lighter. Let’s all remember that romesco sauce is supposed to be thick and chunkier. However, they would seem lighter when you use fresh/jar plum tomatoes. And that is why I prefer sundried tomatoes soaked in oil (and drained before using). In essence, if you follow this recipe as written, your romesco sauce will surely be thicker and chunkier. However, if you want them lighter, use fresh/jar plum tomatoes instead.

Romesco sauce (romesco dip) is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe includes oil. Flour or ground stale bread thickened Spanish romesco sauces; they are the perfect sauce or dip for fish, meat, vegetables, and crackers. #Sauce #Romescosauce #Spanishromesco #romescorecipe #romesco #homemaderomescosauce #romescodip

Romesco Sauce Recipe FAQs:

Can I make this without nuts?

I believe you can use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if you wish to keep this recipe nut-free. I have only made this romesco dip using almonds.

Can I use store-bought roasted pepper jars?

Yes, you can keep this super simple by using store-bought instead of roasting your peppers. For some reason, I like roasting my bell peppers because I am fancy like that.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Heck yeah!!! Notably, the sundried tomatoes give this romesco sauce a distinct taste. However, the traditional romesco sauce recipe calls for fire-roasted tomatoes. I typically use only sundried tomatoes. But honestly, fresh plum tomatoes or canned plum tomatoes would work just fine!

How long can romesco sauce keep in the fridge?

This sauce can keep well in the refrigerator for up seven days. I have kept it in the fridge for up ten days before, and if you decide to freeze it, this romesco sauce can last up to 6 months. 

Can romesco be frozen?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze romesco sauce in a freezer-friendly container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Romesco sauce (romesco dip) is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe includes oil. Flour or ground stale bread thickened Spanish romesco sauces; they are the perfect sauce or dip for fish, meat, vegetables, and crackers. #Sauce #Romescosauce #Spanishromesco #romescorecipe #romesco #homemaderomescosauce #romescodip

HOW TO MAKE ROASTED RED PEPPER ROMESCO FROM SCRATCH:

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Romesco sauce (romesco dip) is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe includes oil. Flour or ground stale bread thickened Spanish romesco sauces; they are the perfect sauce or dip for fish, meat, vegetables, and crackers. #Sauce #Romescosauce #Spanishromesco #romescorecipe #romesco #homemaderomescosauce #romescodip

Romesco Sauce Recipe with Roasted Red Peppers and Skinless Almonds

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 16 reviews
  • Author: Nkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Blender
  • Cuisine: Spanish
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Romesco sauce is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe typically has a mixture of roasted tomatoes, fresh garlic, and toasted almonds, pine nuts, or hazelnuts. Also, olive or sunflower oil and sundried peppers. Equally, flour or ground stale bread thickened the earlier Spanish romesco sauces.

The addition of smoky paprika, vinegar, and cayenne peppers further sharpen this strong-tasting sauce and make it a perfect sauce or dip for fish, meat, vegetables, and crackers. Easy Romesco Sauce adds a burst of flavor to any dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup of raw almonds (skinless and soaked overnight to soften); or store-bought blanched almonds.
  • 1 big red bell pepper (roasted); or store-bought
  • A handful of sundried tomatoes (about 7 or ¼ cup. Soaked overnight in olive oil)
  • ¼ cup EVOO (Extra virgin olive oil)
  • 5 garlic cloves (wrapped in foil and roasted)
  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • 2 teaspoons smoky paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper (or cayenne pepper or crushed red peppers (always add pepper according to your desire
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt (always add salt according to your taste or health need)
  • ¼ tsp. Nutmeg (optional)
  • ¼ tsp. Maggi (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and cut the bell peppers, spread them on a baking sheet, and sprinkle a little salt and olive oil. Peel 5 garlic cloves, place in a foil, sprinkle a little salt and olive oil and wrap. Ensure the garlic cloves are securely covered in the foil. Place on the same baking sheet as the red bell peppers. Roast at 350 degrees oven for 30 – 40 minutes or until the peppers look a little charred. Feel free to flip the peppers in between roasting for even cooking.
  2. Add all the ingredients for the romesco sauce to the food processor, starting with the skinless almonds, roasted bell peppers, garlic, paprika, salt, nutmeg, Maggi, lemon juice, and EVOO. Alternatively, you can add all the ingredients except the olive oil and then drizzle the olive oil as you process.
  3. Process until it becomes paste-like or to the texture you desire. Taste and adjust flavors to your desire; garnish with some EVOO drizzle, crushed red peppers, and almonds.

Notes

Start by adding ¼ teaspoon of salt, and increase your taste. Remember, when it comes to salt, you can always add more but, you cannot take it out.

Feel free to make this sauce as thick or light as you want. The same goes with consistency; you decide on making it smooth or rough.

You can easily make this sauce in 5 minutes with store-bought roasted red peppers, jarred tomatoes, and store-bought blanched almonds.

Make this recipe spicier by adding more cayenne peppers.

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WHAT TO SERVE WITH ROMESCO SAUCE?

Oven Roasted Plantains (aka, NIgerian Boli).

Nigerian Boli roasted in open fire or oven roasted/baked is always yummy and insanely delicious!

Spoon some to this Quinoa/Black Beans Bowl.

Nutrient-dense + tasty quinoa bowl recipe with black beans is literally the best thing E V E R! Listen, this is about to be your favorite quinoa bowl from now on (I AM NOT KIDDING)! Already cooked quinoa is deliciously sauteed with onions, bell peppers, mixed veggies, and spices. Sauteed black beans, chicken breast, mashed avocado, and fresh baby spinach completes this healthy quinoa bowl recipe! Finally, top this bowl with chopped fresh parsley and avocado slices and enjoy! #quinoarecipe #quinoabowl #blackbeanrecipe #quinoablackbeans #tacobowl
Add romesco instead of guac!

Honey Baked Brussels Sprouts.

The best honey baked brussels sprouts recipe, perfectly baked in the oven without the help of bacon and cheese. A incredible plant-based side dish you will love with all your heart!

Best as Dips for our Summer Charcuterie Board.

Summer graving board served with romesco

Smash romesco on a slice of a Leg of Lamb.

This roasted lamb leg has the perfect crust on the outside and is extraordinarily juicy, tender, and flavorful inside—literally the epitome of a flawless roast. The best part is that this lamb roast is super easy to make with only a few ingredients. Second, it doesn't require a special marinade. Furthermore, this roast leg of lamb recipe would be fantastic for a Sunday roast, Easter lunch, Christmas dinner, or better still, put this lamb recipe on your Thanksgiving dinner menu. #Roast #Lamb #legoflamb #Christmasrecipe #Holidayrecipe #keto #glutenfree

Stuff Turkey Breast.

Take the stress out of your holiday cooking with this easy oven-baked stuffed turkey breast recipe. Oven roasted boneless stuffed turkey breast is moist, juicy, tender, and incredibly delicious! This simple baked turkey breast is the perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for small families during the holidays. (And beyond)! Also, making turkey breast takes way less time than a whole turkey. Yet very flavorful and perfect for a small gathering! With its crispy skin tender inside, your whole family is going to love this well-seasoned turkey meat! #turkeybreast #ovenroastedturkey #thanksgivingturkey #bonelessturkeybreast #holidays
Use romesco sauce instead of this green cashew sauce!

While you are still here, grab my FREE (5) spinach salad recipe bundle. It would be a great addition to your dinner table (if you like salads) or you are looking to incorporate more veggies. Get the recipes here.

THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS, you are not charged more for using these links, but I make little coins when you do.

Finally, let’s connect on social media, am on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Share this recipe post, and SAVE/PIN THIS IMAGE ON PINTEREST! ⤵️

Romesco sauce (romesco dip) is a rich Spanish sauce that can literally wake up any dish. It is sharp, bold, zesty, and full of flavors from roasted red peppers, charred or sundried tomatoes, nuts, herbs, and seasonings! Traditional romesco sauce recipe includes oil. Flour or ground stale bread thickened Spanish romesco sauces; they are the perfect sauce or dip for fish, meat, vegetables, and crackers. #Sauce #Romescosauce #Spanishromesco #romescorecipe #romesco #homemaderomescosauce #romescodip

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Stay well and safe.

Nkechi Ajaeroh's blog nkechiajaeroh.com for healthy food recipes, and healthy living. tips.

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32 Comments

  1. Love the bold, sharp flavours of this sauce, great recipe!






  2. This sauce is absolutely delicious! I served it as part of a charcurterie board I made and it was a big hit!






  3. Kristen Wood says:

    This turned out super yummy! Can’t wait to make again!






  4. This romesco sauce was so incredibly flavorful and tasty!! We used it as a dip for veggies and it was the perfect appetizer before our family dinner tonight!






  5. This is one sauce that I have never tried yt. I love how easy it is to make it, too!






  6. Love this sauce! It’s a fun change up from pesto or other traditional spreads – so much great flavor!






  7. Suc ha vibrant versatile sauce. We enjoyed it with celery and carrot sticks as a dip!






  8. This sauce turned out perfectly. Loved the favors. Will definitely make it again!






  9. What a beautiful and flavourful sauce. I love finding ways of getting more wholefats in my diet, e.g. from almonds, so I loved this!






    1. Glad you like this sauce, Vanessa.😊
      I love almonds so much; very versatile as fat and flour!🙌🏾

  10. Absolutely delicious sauce; thank you for this fantastic recipe! I will make it again!!






  11. I am from Catalunya and I’m glad to find this recipe in your website. I came here because the chicken, onion and carrot-stir fry you made, which I can say it’s delicious and I will repeat it soon!






    1. Hello, Ester,
      Am glad you found this recipe; I agree that this romesco sauce recipe rocks! And thanks also for the feedback on the chicken and carrots stir-fry! Come back soon!!! Xoxo 😚

  12. I’m always looking for new and exciting recipes and this was a great find! I made this in place of a hummus I usually make for girls night and it was a huge hit. I’ll make this again, thanks!






  13. Stephanie says:

    This Romesco Sauce was so simple to make but there is nothing simple about the flavor – it is delish. I added a bit of cayenne pepper as you suggested – loved the kick!






  14. Wow, this Romesco Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Almonds is a game-changer! The blend of flavors is spot-on, and those roasted almonds add just the right amount of crunch. I’ve tried a lot of sauces, but this one is going straight to the top of my favorites list. You’ve nailed it again; can’t wait to see what you whip up next!






  15. This sauce was so tasty and had so much flavor! We served it with some roasted veggies and it was delicious!






  16. We love this version of romesco sauce using sun-dried tomatoes. It was delicious with grilled cod and I will make it again!