Easy Homemade Pasta Sauces that are Better than Store-Bought

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Romesco Sauce

Romesco sauce is a vibrant Spanish-inspired condiment that marries roasted red peppers, toasted almonds, garlic, and olive oil to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Its smoky, nutty profile makes it a versatile addition to grilled meats and vegetables. It even makes a great dip for bread!

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 2 large red bell peppers
• ½ cup blanched almonds
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 min., turning occasionally, until charred. Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let them steam for 10 min. to loosen the skin.
2. While the peppers are cooling, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 min. stirring frequently until golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Once the peppers are cool, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and place them in a food processor. Add the toasted almonds, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Blend the mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and enjoy it as a dip, or drizzle it over grilled meats, vegetables, or pasta.