Is Romesco Sauce the New Pesto?

As summer gives way to fall, it’s time to give pesto a break in favor of another meal-enhancing sauce: romesco. Of course, we’ll always love pesto, but romesco just might be the perfect fall condiment. Here’s everything you need to know about this vibrant, healthy sauce. 

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What is romesco sauce made of?

If you’re not already familiar with romesco, it’s a creamy, flavorful Spanish sauce traditionally served with seafood. You don’t see it often on restaurant menus or in grocery stores, but it’s a great sauce to have in your back pocket to wake up all kinds of dishes.

Romesco traditionally contains roasted red bell peppers, nuts, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and spices, but you can play around with the recipe to make it your own. Mix up the type of nuts or swap them out for seeds, add sun dried tomatoes, or blend in some crushed red pepper flakes or harissa for some heat.

Roast your own bell peppers, or use the jarred variety to save a step, like in this recipe from Cookie + Kate.

What do you eat with romesco sauce?

Here are a few different ideas for enjoying romesco:

• With meat. As a marinade or dipping sauce, it pairs wonderfully with meat. Have it with steak or slather it all over baked chicken.

• Tossed with pasta. Replace your regular tomato sauce with romesco for a different spin on pasta. 

• As a dip. Offer up romesco sauce with crusty bread, or fold it into a little Greek yogurt and serve with sliced vegetables. Add a small bowlful to charcuterie boards to add flavor and color. 

• Over fish. While you could eat this sauce with any type of fish, it’s particularly good with white fish like cod, or shellfish. You can dollop it on top of fillets or mix it into the dish for even more flavor.

• On top of vegetables. Just a drizzle enhances the flavor of steamed, sautéed, or roasted vegetables. 

• With eggs. Slather the sauce all over fried or scrambled eggs, fold a spoonful into egg salad, make it the base for shakshuka, or add it to an egg sandwich. 

Read next: 10 Best Trader Joe’s Sauces on the Shelves