Ingredients
Method
Prepare the Sauce:
- Begin by removing the seeds from the ñora peppers. Soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes to soften. If possible, soak them in room-temperature water overnight for better results.
- Preheat your broiler. Slice the tomatoes in half, place them on a foil-lined baking tray, and broil for 6–7 minutes until their skins blister.
- In a small skillet, toast the hazelnuts and almonds until fragrant, then set aside.
- Peel the garlic cloves. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet and fry the softened ñora peppers for a few minutes. Remove and set aside. Reduce the heat, and lightly sauté 4 garlic cloves until golden. Remove and reserve. Fry the slice of bread on both sides in the skillet until crisp.
- Using a mortar and pestle, begin by crushing the raw garlic cloves into a paste. Gradually add the sautéed garlic and continue mashing. Incorporate the softened pepper pulp, mashing well to combine.
- Add the chopped parsley, toasted almonds, hazelnuts, and fried bread to the mortar, mashing thoroughly after each addition to create a cohesive mixture.
- Peel the broiled tomatoes, discard the seeds, and finely chop the flesh. Stir the chopped tomatoes into the mixture.
- Pour in the wine vinegar and mix to combine. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while stirring continuously to emulsify the sauce. Season with salt to taste.
Cook the Calçots:
- Clean the calçots or green onions, trimming off the roots and outer layers as needed.
- For authentic flavor, grill the calçots over an open flame until the outer skins are charred and blackened. Alternatively, use a flat pan over high heat. Place the green onions on the hot pan in batches, allowing each side to char evenly before turning.
- Once charred, wrap the calçots in newspaper to steam and sweat. This will help soften the flesh and make peeling easier.
- Arrange the calçots on a terracotta dish and serve warm with the prepared romesco sauce on the side.
Notes
- Use a food processor instead of a mortar and pestle, but pulse gently to avoid creating a liquified sauce.
- Swap calçots with fat, tender green onions for a similar flavor and texture.
- Replace ñora peppers with cascabel or ancho peppers; ground ñora peppers work well too.
- Keep plenty of paper napkins handy for messy but enjoyable eating!
