If you’ve been searching for a flavorful way to reduce inflammation without sacrificing taste, look no further than romesco sauce. Packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients like red bell peppers, almonds, and olive oil, this vibrant sauce isn’t just delicious—it’s a powerhouse for supporting your body’s natural defenses.
With every spoonful, you’ll enjoy bold flavors and anti-inflammatory benefits that make it perfect for any meal.
Why Romesco Supports Anti-Inflammation Goals
At the heart of this romesco recipe are red bell peppers, which are bursting with vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients help combat oxidative stress in the body, one of the root causes of inflammation.
Vitamin C is particularly important for supporting the immune system and neutralizing free radicals, keeping your body’s inflammation in check. Red peppers also contain beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is known to support skin and eye health.
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Almonds, another key ingredient, provide a dose of healthy fats and vitamin E, which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties. Their nutty flavor also adds richness to the sauce, while their nutrients support your body in reducing inflammation at a cellular level.
The olive oil used in this sauce is an all-star of the anti-inflammation world. Rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, olive oil has been shown to lower markers of inflammation while supporting heart health.
When combined with garlic, mint, and sherry vinegar, this sauce becomes a delicious way to nourish your body while keeping inflammation at bay.
Tips to Customize Romesco for Your Lifestyle
This romesco recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of wholesome ingredients, making it ideal for a variety of dietary preferences. Here are some tips to adapt it to your needs:
- Make it nut-free: If you have a nut allergy, swap out the almonds for sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They add a similar texture and provide their own anti-inflammatory properties, including magnesium and zinc.
- Add extra greens: Boost the anti-inflammatory benefits by blending in a handful of spinach or kale. These greens are full of phytonutrients that support the body’s response to inflammation.
- Go spicier: Add a bit more crushed red pepper or a small chili pepper for a fiery kick. Spicy ingredients like these are known to help boost circulation and promote metabolism, which can assist the body in its natural detox processes.
- Make it vegan-friendly: This recipe is already vegan, but you can enhance the plant-based focus by serving it with roasted vegetables or using it as a spread on whole-grain bread.
Delicious Ways to Use Romesco Sauce
The beauty of this romesco sauce is its versatility. It can be used in endless ways to elevate your meals while offering anti-inflammatory benefits. Try these ideas:
- As a dip: Pair it with roasted vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini for a nutrient-packed appetizer or snack.
- Over grilled proteins: Drizzle it over grilled chicken, fish, steak, or even tofu to add a smoky, nutty flavor that enhances any main dish.
- With whole grains: Use it as a topping for quinoa, farro, or brown rice. The combination of the sauce with whole grains creates a satisfying and balanced meal.
- On sandwiches or wraps: Spread romesco sauce on your favorite sandwiches or wraps for a flavorful, anti-inflammatory twist.
Storage Tips for Meal Prep Fans
Romesco sauce is an ideal recipe for meal preppers and busy households. Once prepared, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For longer storage, freeze the sauce in small portions, such as in ice cube trays or small containers. When needed, simply thaw and use it to add a quick, flavorful boost to your meals.
This storage flexibility makes it easy to always have a healthy, anti-inflammatory condiment on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
By combining bold flavors with a functional approach to nutrition, romesco sauce offers a winning combination of taste and health benefits. Each ingredient plays a role in fighting inflammation while creating a versatile, mouthwatering condiment.
From its vibrant red color to its rich, smoky flavor, this sauce is a simple yet effective way to support your wellness goals while making every meal more enjoyable.
Anti-Inflammation Romesco Recipe with Toasted Almonds & Mint
Equipment
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- food processor
Ingredients
- 4 red bell peppers
- 5 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 2 garlic cloves peeled and coarsely chopped
- 1 shallot sliced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 Tbsp sherry vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp chopped mint
- 1/2 lemon juiced
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers:Place the bell peppers in a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with kosher salt. Toss to coat evenly.Arrange the peppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F.Roast for 15 minutes, then turn the peppers and continue cooking for another 20 minutes, or until their skins are charred and the peppers are softened.Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let them sit for 10 minutes to steam.Once cool enough to handle, remove the stems, skins, and seeds. Slice the peppers into rough strips and set aside.
- Toast the Almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the slivered almonds. Stir frequently for about 4 minutes, or until they turn golden and fragrant. Remove from the skillet and let them cool on a plate.
- Cook the Aromatics: Using the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, sliced shallot, and crushed red pepper. Stir constantly and cook for about 2 minutes, until the garlic starts to soften and the shallot becomes translucent. Remove from heat.
- Blend the Ingredients:Place the roasted peppers in a food processor along with the cooked garlic, shallot, and toasted almonds.Pulse the mixture a few times to combine the ingredients, scraping the sides of the bowl if needed.Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the sherry vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until the sauce reaches a smooth but slightly textured consistency, resembling a pesto.
- Add Final Touches: Transfer the blended romesco sauce to a container. Stir in the chopped mint and squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as desired.
- Store and Serve: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.Serve as a dip for roasted vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for grilled fish, meat, or poultry.
Notes
- Why Roast Peppers Whole? Roasting peppers whole retains their moisture, enhancing the sauce’s flavor and texture.
- For a fully anti-inflammatory option, ensure olive oil is extra virgin and garlic is fresh, both known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Serve with grilled fish, roasted vegetables, or as a sandwich spread to complement an anti-inflammatory meal plan.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.