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    Home » Blog » Recipes

    Nut-Free Romesco Sauce

    Published: Dec 4, 2017 · Updated: Dec 3, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links. · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This nut-free Romesco sauce takes a slight spin on the traditional sauce with almonds, using hemp seeds instead. 

    This nut-free Romesco sauce takes a slight spin on the traditional sauce with almonds, using hemp seeds instead. 

    What is romesco sauce and why is this version so special?

    Romesco sauce is a red pepper based sauce that hails from Spain. Someone once told me Romesco sauce was created to be used with all the beautiful fish caught and enjoyed in Spain; I have no idea if that's true or not, but I do know that this nut-free Romesco sauce is a truly delicious and versatile sauce!

    This nut-free Romesco sauce takes a slight spin on the traditional sauce with almonds, using hemp seeds instead. 

    So why is this a nut-free romesco sauce? Traditionally, Romesco sauce is thickened by blending toasted almonds and sometimes some bread into the sauce. I wanted to keep this sauce as simple as possible, but I also wanted to make it something for anyone else who also has a lot of food sensitivities or allergies they manage.

    No bread is used to thicken this sauce at all, and neither are nuts of any kind. What is used in place of nuts is hemp seeds.

    What are hemp seeds?

    Hemp seeds are part of the Cannabis sativa plant. While hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa) and marijuana (Cannabis indica) are part of the same genus ("Cannabis"), they are different species. (Editor's note: the past two sentences have been edited to provide more clarity post-publication after a conversation with a reader.) Hemp seeds contain very trace amounts of THC (the compound that causes drug-like effects of marijuana). Hemp seeds are very popular due to their highly nutritious profile, including being rich in protein and essential fatty acids. Per healthline, 6 evidence-based health benefits of hemp seeds include:

    • Highly nutritious
    • May reduce heart disease risk
    • May benefit skin disorders
    • Great source of plant-based protein
    • May reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause
    • May aid digestion

    As someone who is highly allergic to tree nuts (although almonds are a nut I can consume), I often rely on seeds like hemp seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds, to provide some of the same health benefits. I knew hemp seeds would be the PERFECT nut substitute in this nut-free Romesco sauce!

    This nut-free Romesco sauce takes a slight spin on the traditional sauce with almonds, using hemp seeds instead. 

    You guys know I like my simple (and versatile!) recipes, so this fits the bill.

    Red bell peppers and roma tomatoes are roughly chopped and roasted in the oven. The they're transferred to a blender with the remaining ingredients and blended until smooth!

    The addition of hemp seeds definitely makes this nut-free Romesco sauce creamy and satisfying, but also packed with nutrition.

    How to use this sauce?

    This nut-free Romesco sauce takes a slight spin on the traditional sauce with almonds, using hemp seeds instead. 

    It pairs beautifully with pasta (I used Banza chickpea linguini here, talk about a plant protein-packed meal!) and we've also enjoyed it on eggs, sandwiches, chicken, fish, and more. You could even use it as a dressing on salads (perhaps thinned down slightly!). It can also be frozen up to 1-2 months if needed.

    If you give this nut-free Romesco sauce a try, be sure to let me know how you liked it! You can share on the NTF Facebook page or on Instagram (tag me at @nutitiontofit or #nutritiontofit). I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Be well!

    This nut-free Romesco sauce takes a slight spin on the traditional sauce with almonds, using hemp seeds instead. 

     

    This nut-free Romesco sauce takes a slight spin on the traditional sauce with almonds, using hemp seeds instead. 
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Nut-Free Romesco Sauce

    This nut-free Romesco sauce takes a slight spin on the traditional sauce with almonds, using hemp seeds instead.  free from: gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, soy, eggs, fish, shellfish
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time35 mins
    Total Time45 mins
    Course: Main Course, Sauce
    Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 158kcal
    Author: Lindsey Janeiro, RDN, CLT

    Ingredients

    • 2 red bell peppers
    • 5 roma tomatoes
    • ¾ cup hemp seeds
    • ¼ cup fresh flat leaf parsley
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil divided
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 2 tablespoon lemon juice (about half a lemon)
    • Salt to taste
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Chop bell peppers and roma tomatoes in rough pieces (remove stems and seeds from peppers). Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt and roast in a 400 degree oven 25-30 minutes.
    • In a blender, combine the roasted peppers and tomatoes, hemp seeds, parsley, garlic, lemon, and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Blend until a smooth puree. Add salt to taste.
    • Serve immediately or store up to one week in an airtight refrigerated container, or in a freezer up to 1-2 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 164mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1510IU | Vitamin C: 47.4mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 3mg

    This nut-free Romesco sauce takes a slight spin on the traditional sauce with almonds, using hemp seeds instead. 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Javi says

      March 16, 2020 at 6:07 pm

      Will try this recipe one of these days.. This one looks delicious..

      Reply
      • Lindsey Janeiro, RDN, LDN says

        March 21, 2020 at 5:03 pm

        Thanks so much, let me know when you give it a try!

        Reply

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