Zesty Romesco Sauce

This flavorful sauce is simple and packed with calcium, magnesium, potassium and fiber, and its mild cheesiness is less likely to cause heartburn than marinara. You can serve it as a sauce on roasted vegetables, as a dip, sandwich spread or a hearty pasta sauce.

• One 12-ounce can red peppers, drained
• 1/4 cup blanched almonds
• 1-2 slices stale bread, torn, or a 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1-2 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup Romano cheese
• Whole seeded, peeled tomato, or 3 tbs tomato paste
• 2 tsp salt

Optional:

• 2 tbs chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tbs sherry vinegar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth. It stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It freezes well also, store in a zippered plastic bag and defrost in warm water.