Cacao Nibs Romesco Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup almonds
  • 1 roasted red bell pepper (you can use a jarred version, or roast your own) 
  • 1/4 cup cocoa nibs or baking (unsweetened) chocolate, grated 
  • 1 medium tomato-seeded
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoon vinegar (sherry vinegar is traditional, white or red wine vinegar or balsamic will also work)
  • 2 teaspoons fine cornmeal
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika  
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper  
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper 

Directions:

In a food processor, combine the almonds, roasted pepper, cocoa nibs, tomato, garlic, vinegar, corn meal, lemon juice, salt, paprika and crushed red pepper. Process to a fine paste. With the machine on, slowly add the olive oil to form a thick sauce. Scrape the romesco sauce into a bowl and season with salt and ground pepper.

Author: Susan Whiteside