Romesco Sauce

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup blanched slivered almonds
• 2 garlic cloves thickly sliced
• 1 slice white sandwich bread torn into small pieces
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes in juice drained well and squeezed to remove seeds
• 1/4 cup jarred pimientos drained
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• coarse salt and ground pepper

Instructions

1. 1
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook almonds, garlic, and bread, tossing frequently, until lightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
2. 2
   Place almond mixture in a food processor; process until finely ground. Add tomatoes, pimientos, vinegar, paprika, and cayenne; process until smooth. With motor running, gradually add oil; process until combined. Season with salt and pepper. To store, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze.
3. 3
   To Freeze: Spoon 2 tablespoons mixture into each section of an ice-cube tray. Freeze at least 1 hour; transfer cubes to a re-sealable plastic bag, and freeze up to 3 months. You can also freeze sauce in airtight containers, leaving 1/2 inch of space, up to 3 months. Cubes thaw in 15 minutes at room temperature; thaw larger quantities in the microwave or in the refrigerator overnight.