A Romesco Sauce of Sorts

Makes: 3-4 servings Total Time: 10min

What you need:
1 slice firm white bread, toasted
7oz jar of roasted red peppers, drained
¼ C roasted, shelled hazelnuts
1 large garlic clove
½ C reduced sodium chicken broth
¼ C extra virgin olive oil
1 t. red wine vinegar
¾ t. salt
¼ t. hot red pepper flakes
10oz frozen spinach

What to do:
Thaw and drain spinach; set aside. Tear toast into pieces and blend in food processor with red peppers, hazelnuts, garlic, broth, oil, vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes until smooth or desired consistency. Transfer sauce to a 12-inch heavy skillet. Add spinach and bring to a simmer. Add water (pasta water if applicable) to sauce as needed.

Gustavo and I made this delicious sauce and served it with veggie sausages over pasta. I imagine that it would also be tasty with fish, roasted vegetables, or spread on a baguette. It is ridiculously simple and fast to make.

I adapted this recipe from the original, Gourmet March 2006, which called for almonds instead of hazelnuts and peas instead of spinach.

Hazelnut Romesco with Oregano Vinaigrette on Pork Loin

Katie and I made our first hazelnut recipe together in Reno! The company was fantastic! but the food was mediocre at best. I guess I am not a fan of hazelnuts as an entree flavoring. We made a hazelnut romesco to go on grilled pork loins; you can search for the recipe at www.foodnetwork.com, but I wouldn't bother. The basic romesco ingredients included olive oil, garlic, red bell pepper, tomatoes, chiles, red wine, hazelnuts, honey and S&P to taste. These get sauted and tossed in the food processor, and then spooned (consistency of cold mashed potatoes) onto the grilled pork with the vinaigrette (vinegar, mustard, honey, shallots, oregano, and S&P). It wasn't bad, but it just wasn't good either. We also made a nice salad and used the combined sauces as a dressing. We would not recommend this dish. I am anxious to see the other Hill's creations with hazelnuts. We did find some chocolate-covered hazelnuts flavored with chipotle at Trader Joe's though!