Grilled Scallions with Romesco Sauce

Start your meal with tender grilled scallions dipped in garlicky roasted red pepper romesco sauce. This Spanish sauce is also delicious with oven-roasted potato wedges, fries or even grilled shrimp or as a condiment for chicken, lamb chops or meatballs. It makes a great alternative to pesto as well: stir it into soups and stews or toss with pasta.

Ingredients

• 15 scallions
• 1/2 cup roasted almonds
• 1 12 oz. jar roasted red peppers drained
• 1 tbsp garlic minced
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil divided
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese grated
• a pinch salt
• a pinch black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Trim the roots and 1 to 2 inches from the green ends of the scallions. Rinse and remove any loose outside layers. Set aside.
3. In a food processor or blender, blend together the almonds, roasted red peppers, garlic, vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil and parsley. Stir and scrape the sides as needed and blend until smooth. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and blend well. Set aside while grilling the scallions.
4. Brush the scallions with remaining olive oil and gently place perpendicular to the grill to prevent them from falling through the grates. Grill for 2 minutes, just until grill marks appear, and then carefully flip and grill another minute or so. The scallions should be al dente.
5. Serve warm with romesco sauce for dipping and slices of crusty bread.