Blistered green padrón peppers with flaky salt beside a bowl of brick-red almond romesco

Blistered Padrón Peppers with Almond Romesco

Peppers blistered in a hot pan until they collapse and char, dipped into a smoky, nutty romesco. A little tapas plate that is quick to cook and big on drama.

  • Serves 4
  • Prep: 15 min
  • Cook: 25 min
  • Medium
  • Vegan
  • Contains nuts
  • Contains gluten

Method

  1. For the romesco, blitz the roasted peppers, almonds, bread, garlic, paprika and vinegar in a food processor. With the motor running, trickle in the olive oil until thick and spoonable. Season with salt and set aside.

  2. Heat a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet over a high heat until smoking. Add the oil and the peppers in one layer.

  3. Cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins blister, blacken in places and the peppers go slightly collapsed.

  4. Tip onto a plate, sprinkle generously with flaky salt and squeeze over a little lemon.

  5. Serve hot with the romesco alongside for dipping.

Serving ideas

Great as part of a tapas spread with tortilla, cured meats and olives. The romesco keeps for four days in the fridge and is fantastic on grilled fish or vegetables.

•Variations

Make it yours

01

Other peppers

Use shishito peppers or thin slices of sweet pointed pepper.

02

Nut swap

Use hazelnuts or walnuts for a different character.

03

Add cheese

Crumble over a little aged manchego or feta.

Cook it with us

Small Plates, Big Energy

Cook five quick, show-off little plates and eat them as a proper tasting menu. 2 hrs, from £75 per person.

See the workshop