Romesco Sauce

• BASIC-EASY
• FAST
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 3/4 cup blanched almonds
2. 2 large thick slices country bread, crusts removed, bread cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3. 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
4. 1 pound roma tomatoes, seeded and roughly chopped
5. 1 tablespoon paprika
6. 1 teaspoon salt
7. 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8. 3/4 cup fruity Spanish olive oil

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast, shaking the pan occasionally. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until golden. Let cool.
2. Meanwhile, combine the bread and vinegar in a bowl and soak about 20 minutes.
3. Transfer the almonds to a food processor and process until finely ground. Add the vinegar-soaked bread, tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper and purée. With the machine running, add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream until a smooth sauce forms. Serve at room temperature.