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Catalan Grilled Vegetable and Almond Sauce
     
     
    Makes 2 cups, approximately
     
    Intro
     
   
1 large red pepper
   
3 medium tomatoes or 4 roma tomatoes (about 3/4 pound)
   
2 thick slices (about 2 ounces) baguette or country style bread, lightly toasted
   
2 large garlic cloves, peeled
   
1/4 cup toasted almonds
   
1 to 2 teaspoons pure ground chile powder or red pepper flakes, to taste (pepper flakes are hotter)
 
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
   
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
   
  salt to taste (1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons)
   
  freshly ground pepper to taste
   
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
   
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    cl_pix
   

1. Preheat the broiler and cover a baking sheet with foil. Grill the pepper under the broiler, placing it on the baking sheet at the highest setting, and turning it every 3 minutes or so, until uniformly charred. Remove from the baking sheet and place in a plastic bag, twist the bag shut and allow to cool. When the pepper is cool enough to handle, remove the charred skin (you can do this under running water), cut the pepper in half lengthwise and core and remove the seeds and membranes.

2. While waiting for the pepper to cool, place the tomatoes on the baking sheet and place under the broiler at the highest setting. Broil for 2-4 minutes, until charred on one side. Turn over and broil on the other side for 2 to 4 minutes, until charred. Remove from the heat, transfer to a bowl and allow to cool. Peel and core.

3. Turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop in the garlic cloves. When the garlic is chopped and adheres to the sides of the bowl, stop the machine and scrape down the sides. Add the almonds, bread, and chile powder or flakes to the bowl and process to a paste. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the pepper, tomatoes, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth, and with the machine running, add the vinegar and olive oil in a slow stream. Process until well amalgamated, then scrape into a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt or chile as desired. If possible, allow the sauce to stand for an hour at room temperature before using.

Note: The peppers and tomatoes can also be cooked on a charcoal or gas grill. Directions are the same.

     
     
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