Catalonian Pepper and Nut Sauce (Salsa Romesco)

Ingredients

• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 2 small red bell peppers
• 1/2 cup hazelnuts
• 1/2 cup blanched almonds, toasted
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 (1-ounce) slice bread, toasted
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 2/3 cup extravirgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. 1. Place ancho chiles in a small saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 20 minutes. Drain well. Remove stems, seeds, and membranes from chiles; discard. Place chiles in a medium bowl.
2. 2. Preheat broiler.
3. 3. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 10 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand for 15 minutes. Peel and cut into 2-inch pieces. Add bell peppers to chiles.
4. 4. Reduce oven temperature to 350°.
5. 5. Arrange hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes or until toasted. Turn nuts out onto a towel. Roll up towel; rub off skins. Place hazelnuts in a food processor. Add almonds, garlic, and bread to food processor; process 1 minute or until finely ground. Add chile mixture, vinegar, tomato paste, paprika, and ground red pepper; process 1 minute or until combined. With processor on, slowly pour oil through food chute; process until well blended. Add 1/4 cup hot water and salt; process 10 seconds or until combined.
6. Note: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.