Green Pipian Romesco Sauce

A hybrid between a traditional Romesco (made with almonds) and a Mexican Mole Pipian, this bright green sauce is a great accompaniment for steaks.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do to a great steak is nothing. Let it shine and do it’s thing. That’s where some very simple side sauces (like chimichurri) come in handy. They give the steak the spotlight without overshadowing the meat. This Romesco does the same. Bright and fresh, a little drizzled over a perfectly cooked steak goes a long way. It’s particularly delicious paired with this smoked tri tip, as a way to cut through the smokey fatty flavors and refresh the palate for the next bite.

Green Pipian Romesco Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1 onion, peeled & roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 poblano peppers, seeded and roughly chopped
• 1 lb tomatillo (preferably fresh), husks removed and roughly chopped.
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 bunch cilantro
• Juice of 1-2 limes
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. In a dry skillet, toast the pumpkin seeds until they just start to turn golden brown and pop. Do not let them cook beyond this stage or they will be bitter. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Toast the sesame seeds until golden, then remove and pour into bowl with pumpkin seeds.
3. Add 1 tbsp oil to the pan, then brown the onion, garlic cloves and poblano strips until they soften and a little color has developed.
4. Place the pumpkin and sesame seeds in a blender or food processor. Add a little of the chicken stock. Blend until combined.
5. Add the peppers, onions, garlic and tomatillos, along with the rest of the chicken stock. Blend until well combined, about 3-5 minutes. If the mixture is sticking to the sides and too dry, add the oil and a little extra chicken stock.
6. Finally, add the cilantro bunch and the lime juice, as well as 1 tsp salt. Blend, then add more salt to taste.
7. Will store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.