Asparagus with Romesco Sauce

Name: Asparagus with Romesco Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 large red bell peppers (halved and seeded); 1/4 cup almonds (blanched); 2 cloves garlic (peeled); 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin); 500 grams asparagus (trimmed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

35 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Asparagus with Romesco Sauce

Tender asparagus paired with a rich and smoky Romesco sauce for a delightful side dish.

Prep

15 min

Cook

20 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Asparagus with Romesco sauce is a classic dish that combines the fresh, crisp taste of asparagus with the bold, smoky flavours of Romesco sauce. This Spanish-inspired sauce is made from roasted red peppers, almonds, and a blend of spices that create a deeply satisfying flavour. Whether you're preparing a dinner party or just a weeknight meal, this dish brings a touch of elegance and a burst of colour to your table. The combination of textures and flavours makes it a favourite among food lovers.

Ingredients

Servings

Romesco Sauce

Asparagus

Instructions

Roast the bell peppers

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet, skin side up. Roast for 20 minutes or until the skins are charred and blistered.

Pro tip: Cover the roasted peppers with a kitchen towel to steam, making them easier to peel.

Prepare the Romesco sauce

Once cooled, peel the skins off the roasted peppers. In a blender, combine the peeled peppers, almonds, garlic, sherry vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, gradually adding the olive oil until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Pro tip: For a chunkier sauce, pulse the ingredients instead of blending them smoothly.

Prepare the asparagus

Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (430°F). Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet.

Pro tip: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer for even roasting.

Roast the asparagus

Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until they are tender and lightly browned.

Pro tip: Check the asparagus halfway through cooking and turn them for even browning.

Serve

Arrange the roasted asparagus on a serving platter and drizzle with Romesco sauce. Serve warm.

Pro tip: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added colour and flavour.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Roast the bell peppers until charred for extra smoky flavour.</li><li>Use fresh asparagus for the best texture and taste.</li><li>Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more or less olive oil.</li><li>Romesco sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this asparagus dish as a vibrant side to grilled meats or seafood. The Romesco sauce can be prepared in advance, giving you more time to focus on other kitchen tasks. Store any leftover Romesco sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes well, making it a convenient option for future meals.