Vegan 5 Minute Almond Butter Romesco Sauce

This versatile Romesco Sauce combines the rich creaminess of almond butter with the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, all enhanced by the protein-packed goodness of unflavored super protein powder!

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What is a Protein Romesco Sauce?

Romesco sauce is a flavorful and versatile Spanish sauce originating from Catalonia, typically made with a base of roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, olive oil, and various seasonings. Traditionally served as a condiment or sauce for grilled meats and seafood, this savory blend offers a harmonious balance of smoky, nutty, and tangy flavors.

In our vegan rendition of this classic sauce, we’ve added a nutritious twist by incorporating unflavored super protein powder, enhancing the protein content while maintaining the authentic taste and texture of traditional Romesco sauce. This Protein Romesco Sauce serves as a deliciously wholesome addition to a variety of dishes, offering both flavor and nutritional benefits in every spoonful. Whether you’re a fan of Spanish cuisine or simply looking to add a protein boost to your meals, this sauce will elevate your culinary creations with its rich and savory profile.

Creative Ways to Use Protein Romesco Sauce

Grain Bowl Enhancer: Drizzle Protein Romesco Sauce over grain bowls filled with quinoa, rice, or couscous for a burst of flavor and protein. It adds depth to the grains and complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Sandwich Spread: Spread Protein Romesco Sauce onto sandwiches and wraps for a flavorful twist. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, tofu, tempeh, or sliced avocado, adding a savory kick to your lunchtime favorites.
Pasta Sauce Alternative: Use Protein Romesco Sauce as a nutritious alternative to traditional pasta sauce. Toss it with cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, and protein-rich legumes for a quick and satisfying meal.
Dip for Veggie Platters: Serve Protein Romesco Sauce as a dip alongside fresh vegetable platters. It’s a deliciously wholesome option for dipping crunchy carrots, bell peppers, cucumber slices, and more.
Protein-Packed Pizza Sauce: Spread Protein Romesco Sauce onto pizza dough as a flavorful alternative to traditional tomato sauce. Top with your favorite veggies, vegan cheese, and protein sources for a deliciously satisfying pizza night.
Stuffed Pepper Filling: Use Protein Romesco Sauce as a filling for stuffed peppers. Mix it with cooked grains, beans, and vegetables, then stuff the mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking until tender.
Marinade for Tofu or Tempeh: Use Protein Romesco Sauce as a marinade for tofu or tempeh. Let the protein soak in the flavors before grilling, baking, or sautéing for a deliciously seasoned main dish.

Get creative in the kitchen and explore the versatile ways to incorporate this Protein Romesco Sauce into your meals. With its rich flavor and protein-packed goodness, it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Vegan 5 Minute Almond Butter Romesco Sauce

Yields: 1 cup

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 Garlic clove
2 tbsp Almond butter, unsalted creamy
1 tbsp Lemon juice, fresh
1/4 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp Paprika, smoked
1 12-oz. jar Red peppers, roasted
2 tbsp Olive oil, extra-virgin
1 scoop (about 2 tablespoons) unflavored super protein powder

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients: Peel the garlic clove and set it aside. Drain the roasted red peppers from the jar and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, almond butter, lemon juice, black pepper, sea salt, smoked paprika, roasted red peppers, olive oil, and unflavored super protein powder. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, you can add more almond butter or roasted red peppers to thicken it up.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

Tips for Perfecting Your Protein Romesco Sauce

Customize the Consistency: Adjust the thickness of your Protein Romesco Sauce by adding more or less olive oil. For a thicker sauce, use less oil; for a thinner consistency, add a bit more.

Enhance the Flavor: Experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the taste of your sauce. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for extra smokiness.

Toast the Nuts: For an added depth of flavor, toast the almonds before blending them into the sauce. Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.

Make it Ahead: Protein Romesco Sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Double the Batch: Consider making a double batch of Protein Romesco Sauce and freezing it in small portions. This way, you’ll always have a flavorful sauce on hand whenever you need it.

Pairing Suggestions: Protein Romesco Sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled vegetables, roasted meats, pasta, sandwiches, and more. Get creative and explore different flavor combinations.

Blend Until Smooth: To achieve a silky-smooth texture, blend the sauce until all the ingredients are well incorporated and no chunks remain. This will ensure a uniform consistency throughout.

With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to master the art of making a Protein Romesco Sauce like a pro, adding a burst of flavor and nutrition to your favorite dishes!

Storing Protein Romesco Sauce

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Protein Romesco Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any flavors from transferring to other foods in the fridge.
Freezing: If you’ve made a large batch of Protein Romesco Sauce and want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it in individual portions. Transfer the sauce to freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, then freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the portions to a resealable freezer bag for easy storage. Protein Romesco Sauce can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.
Thawing: When ready to use frozen Protein Romesco Sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or on the countertop at room temperature. You may need to give it a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients before serving.
Quality Check: Before consuming refrigerated or frozen Protein Romesco Sauce, give it a quick visual and smell test to ensure that it hasn’t spoiled. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to discard it to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy the convenience of having Protein Romesco Sauce on hand whenever you need it, ensuring that your meals are always bursting with flavor and nutrition.