Charred Romesco Sauce with Grilled Vegetables
A smoky and nutty Romesco sauce made from roasted red peppers and almonds, paired with tender grilled vegetables for a colorful Spanish appetizer. This Spanish-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, blends red bell peppers, almonds, toasted, garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 large red bell peppers
- 1/2 cup almonds, toasted
- 3, roasted garlic cloves
- 1 medium, roasted tomato
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp sherry vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 medium, sliced lengthwise zucchini
- 1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds eggplant
- 1 large, cut into thick wedges red onion
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place 3 large red bell peppers directly on the grill grates, turning every 5 minutes until skins are blackened and blistered, about 15 minutes total. Transfer peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, place 2 medium sliced zucchinis, 1 medium sliced eggplant (1/2-inch rounds), and 1 large red onion cut into wedges on the grill. Grill vegetables for 4-5 minutes per side until tender with grill marks. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Peel skins off the steamed roasted peppers and remove seeds. In a food processor, combine peeled roasted peppers, 1/2 cup toasted almonds, 3 roasted garlic cloves, 1 medium roasted tomato, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 2 tbsp sherry vinegar. Pulse to blend.
- Step 4: With the processor running, slowly stream in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until the sauce reaches a smooth yet slightly coarse texture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled vegetables alongside a bowl of Romesco sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Romesco Sauce with Grilled Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Charred Romesco Sauce with Grilled Vegetables?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Romesco Sauce with Grilled Vegetables?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charred Romesco Sauce with Grilled Vegetables for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charred Romesco Sauce with Grilled Vegetables?
Spanish vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
