ROMs Romesco Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, smoky Spanish-inspired sauce with toasted almonds and roasted peppers, perfect for dipping crusty bread or drizzling over grilled vegetables. This spanish-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes blends roasted red peppers, toasted almonds, garlic 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 120 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, 1/4 cup toasted almonds, 1 garlic clove, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. Process for 30 seconds until finely chopped and well combined.
  2. Step 2: With the processor running on low, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup sherry vinegar over 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Transfer to a bowl and stir in 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 2 minutes. Season with salt to taste until the flavors are balanced.

Frequently asked questions

How long does ROMs Romesco Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover ROMs Romesco Sauce?

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 ROMs Romesco Sauce?

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 ROMs Romesco Sauce 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.

Is ROMs Romesco Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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