Name: Romesco Sauce
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Makes about 1 1/2 cups
Ingredients: 1 large tomato (1/2 lb), cored; 1 (1/2-oz) dried ancho chile*; 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons hazelnuts, toasted and loose skins rubbed off with a kitchen towel while warm; 2 tablespoons blanched almonds; 1 (1/2-inch-thick) slice firm white bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 2 large garlic cloves, sliced; 1/8 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup drained bottled pimientos, rinsed; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Image may contain Food Cutlery and Spoon

Romesco SauceMikkel Vang

This dip is our version of a Catalan sauce that has many variations and tastes great with almost any type of grilled meat or fish. It's worth the extra trouble to use hazelnuts (which need peeling), as well as almonds. Even though 2 tablespoons of hazelnuts seems a small amount, they round out the flavor of the sauce.

Cooks' note:

Sauce can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving. *Available at Latino markets, many supermarkets, and kitchenmarket.com.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.