Oven-roasted vegetables with Romesco sauce

Oven-Roasted Vegetables with Romesco Sauce

Discover a recipe full of flavor, color, and health: oven-roasted vegetables with a delicious and nutritious Romesco sauce. This recipe is not only simple but also versatile, allowing you to experiment with various vegetables depending on the season and your preferences. The dish is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish alongside fish or meat. Let's embark on this culinary journey!

Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients
For the vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into large pieces
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into large pieces
- 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into large pieces
- 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, cut into sticks
- 5 small whole mushrooms
- 2 young carrots, cut in half lengthwise
- 4 whole garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
- Olive oil, for drizzling

For the Romesco sauce:
- 20 grams unsalted almonds
- 4 slices of roasted red pepper (you can use canned or roast your own)
- 4-5 tomatoes (depending on size)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Preparing the Romesco sauce
1. Start by preparing the Romesco sauce. In a blender, add the roasted peppers, almonds, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
2. Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little olive oil if necessary. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

Preparing the oven-roasted vegetables
1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
2. In a large baking tray, arrange all the cut vegetables: bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots. Make sure the vegetables are not overcrowded; if there are too many, they will steam instead of roast, so divide them into two trays if necessary.
3. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Herbes de Provence. Mix well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.
4. Place the tray in the oven and let the vegetables roast for 15-20 minutes, turning them once for even browning.

Assembling and serving
1. Once the vegetables are cooked and have a golden crust, remove the tray from the oven and arrange the vegetables on a large platter.
2. Generously pour the Romesco sauce over the warm vegetables. This will add not only wonderful flavor but also a vibrant splash of color.
3. Serve immediately, ideally alongside a slice of fresh bread or as a side for grilled fish or roasted meat.

Chef's Tip
For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a bit of chili pepper to the Romesco sauce if you enjoy spicy food. You can also experiment with vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli, which bring a crunchy texture and pleasant taste.

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Oven-roasted vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while the Romesco sauce, thanks to the almonds, provides a healthy dose of good fats and protein. Each serving is low in calories, making it ideal for a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can adapt the recipe with seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes, eggplant, or asparagus.

2. How long can I store the vegetables?
Roasted vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

3. Is Romesco sauce vegan?
Yes, Romesco sauce is completely vegan and gluten-free.

Interesting Variations
If you want to add a personal touch, you can crumble feta cheese over the vegetables before putting them in the oven. This will provide a delicious contrast with the Romesco sauce.

Recipe Pairings
This oven-roasted vegetable recipe with Romesco sauce pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon or a glass of dry white wine. You can also try a creamy polenta as a side dish.

Final Note
Oven-roasted vegetables with Romesco sauce are more than just a simple dish; they are a celebration of colors and flavors, an excellent choice for everyday meals or special occasions. Don't forget to enjoy every bite and share this recipe with your loved ones! With each preparation, you will bring a touch of warmth and joy around the table. Enjoy your meal!