bell pepper

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Romesco Sauce

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This sauce is seriously addicting in my opinion! I only tasted romesco sauce for the first time a couple of years ago at a Mediterranean restaurant and I was obsessed. Now, I make my own at home because it’s so quick to whip up and I can know exactly which ingredients are being used. You can roast your own peppers and tomatoes, but using high quality pre-roasted ones make this process much simpler. I am a big believer that a delicious sauce makes any dish go from good to great, and this one is no exception. Try it over grilled chicken, grilled or roasted veggies, as a dip for credit, a spread for sandwiches, or to top your grain bowl with!

Served here with grilled zucchini and summer squash

Served here with grilled zucchini and summer squash

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Ingredients

  • One 12-ounce jar of roasted red peppers, drained (or 2 roasted red peppers)

  • 1 12 ounce jar of fire roasted tomatoes, drained

  • ½ cup almonds (roasted or raw)

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, to taste

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

  1. To roast your own peppers, preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Slice red peppers in half lengthwise. Roast for 45 minutes (flip them at 20 minutes). Let cool before handling. 

  2. If using raw almonds, toast the at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. Let cool.

  3. In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.

  4. Adjust seasonings if needed. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. 

This sauce features red bell peppers, which is the ingredient of the week! Read on to learn about the health benefits associated with bell peppers.

Health Benefits of Bell Peppers:

  • They are rich in vitamin C, which supports a strong immune system. The high vitamin C content is also great for skin health, rejuvenating dead cells and preventing wrinkles

  • They are an excellent source of folate and have been recommended to pregnant women to help support the development of a healthy fetus

  • Bell peppers are high in vitamin A which promotes healthy eyesight

  • They are rich in powerful antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and chronic disease

  • They are high is vitamin B6, which increases serotonin and norepinephrine, hormones that are associated with improved mood and higher energy levels 

Sources and additional reading: