Arteflame Romesco Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Romesco sauce is a rich, smoky, and tangy Spanish sauce made with roasted peppers, almonds, and garlic. Preparing it on the Arteflame grill enhances its smoky flavor, making it a perfect pairing for grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 red bell peppers
• 1 large tomato
• 2 cloves garlic (unpeeled)
• 1/4 cup blanched almonds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 slice of rustic bread (toasted)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Light the Arteflame grill by soaking vegetable oil-soaked napkins under firewood and lighting them. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes.
2. Place the peppers, tomato, garlic cloves, and almonds on the flat cooktop for roasting.

Step 2: Roast the Ingredients

1. Peppers and Tomato: Roast the red bell peppers and tomato, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and blistered (about 6-8 minutes for peppers and 4-5 minutes for the tomato).
2. Garlic: Roast the garlic cloves in their skins for 5-6 minutes, turning frequently.
3. Almonds: Toast the almonds until lightly browned and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove all roasted ingredients from the grill and let them cool slightly.

Step 3: Peel and Prep

1. Peel the skin off the roasted peppers and tomato. Remove the seeds from the peppers.
2. Peel the garlic cloves.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted peppers, tomato, garlic, toasted almonds, and toasted bread.
2. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
3. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

1. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, vinegar, or paprika as desired.
2. Serve the romesco sauce warm or at room temperature with grilled dishes.

Tips

• Customize Heat: Add more cayenne pepper for a spicier sauce.
• Smooth or Chunky: Blend the sauce until your desired texture is achieved.
• Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread works best for adding thickness to the sauce.

Variations

1. Nutty Twist: Replace almonds with hazelnuts or walnuts for a different flavor.
2. Herb-Infused Romesco: Add fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright, herbal note.
3. Lemon Zest Romesco: Stir in a touch of lemon zest for extra tanginess.
4. Garlic Lovers’ Romesco: Increase the amount of roasted garlic for a bold flavor.
5. Simpler Romesco: Use jarred roasted peppers for a quick version.

Pairings

• Grilled Seafood: Serve with grilled shrimp, scallops, or white fish.
• Meats: Drizzle over grilled chicken, steak, or lamb.
• Vegetables: Pair with grilled asparagus, zucchini, or roasted potatoes.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve with crusty bread or roasted artichokes as an appetizer.

Conclusion

This Arteflame-style Romesco sauce delivers smoky, nutty, and tangy flavors that elevate any grilled dish. Its versatility and depth make it a must-have sauce for your grilling repertoire.