National Dish Andorra: Calçots amb Romesco (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Calçots amb Romesco, the national dish of Andorra and a true taste of springtime in the Pyrenees! Sweet, charred spring onions are paired with a rich, nutty romesco sauce made from roasted peppers, almonds and garlic. This is convivial food at its best — the kind of dish that brings people together around the grill. Simple to prepare yet full of Mediterranean character, it lets you enjoy a rustic Andorran feast right at home.
About Calçots amb Romesco
Calçots amb Romesco is not only a delicious dish but also a symbolic meal for the region of Andorra. These wonderful grilled spring onions are prepared in season, above all in spring, and are traditionally shared in lively company. The aromatic romesco sauce — built from roasted peppers, almonds and garlic — brings out the sweetness of the calçots and turns the dish into an unforgettable experience. This pairing reflects the region’s culinary traditions and brings the Mediterranean flair of the Pyrenees straight to your plate.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 400 g calçots (spring onions)
- 3–4 red peppers
- 100 g flaked almonds
- 2–3 cloves of garlic
- Olive oil
- Vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To find the best ingredients for calçots amb romesco, it is well worth turning to local markets or health food shops. Fresh calçots are usually only available in season, so a little planning goes a long way. When choosing your peppers, look for ones that are plump and glossy, a sure sign of freshness. The flaked almonds should be unsalted, so the full flavour of the romesco sauce can shine through.
Preparing the dish
Before you dive into making calçots amb romesco, it is important to get all your ingredients ready. That means washing the calçots thoroughly and trimming the ends so they cook evenly. The peppers should also be washed and halved, ready for roasting later. It helps to peel the garlic cloves in advance too, which makes the whole cooking process run more smoothly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the grill to a medium-high temperature.
- Roast the peppers and garlic on the grill until the skins blacken and blister.
- Take the peppers off the grill, let them cool a little, then remove the skins.
- In a dry pan, toast the flaked almonds without oil until golden brown.
- Put the roasted peppers, garlic and almonds into a food processor and blitz to a purée.
- Add olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, and blend until you have a creamy sauce.
- Grill the calçots for around 5–8 minutes, until soft and lightly charred.
- Serve the calçots with the romesco sauce and enjoy!
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
The dish calçots amb romesco is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, as long as you do not add any extra ingredients that contain those allergens. The main components are fresh vegetables and nuts, which suit anyone with a gluten or lactose intolerance. Make sure to prepare the romesco sauce yourself, so you can be certain no gluten- or dairy-containing products slip in. That way every guest can enjoy this tasty dish without a second thought.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Calçots amb romesco is already suitable for vegans and vegetarians, since it contains only plant-based ingredients. To make the dish even more versatile, you could add other grilled vegetables such as courgette or aubergine. These pair beautifully with the romesco sauce and add extra depth of flavour. Just make sure the ingredients you use are fresh and free from any animal products.
More tips and tricks
A few tips can help make this dish even more delicious. Roasting the peppers over the grill gives the sauce a smoky aroma that makes it truly special. You can also vary the sauce by using different nuts, such as cashews. Experiment with the quantities of each ingredient to find the perfect balance for your own palate.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Everyone has different tastes, so it is well worth tailoring the recipe to your own. Add chilli for a spicier kick, for instance, or reduce the almonds if you would prefer a nut-free version. The choice of oil makes a difference too — reach for extra virgin olive oil for a more intense flavour. Your personal preferences should always come first when making the dish your own. A grilled starter like this sits happily alongside heartier plates such as Xai Rostit.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have every ingredient to hand, there are plenty of alternatives you can use in the recipe. Instead of calçots, ordinary spring onions or even regular onions work well. For the romesco sauce, other nuts such as pistachios or walnuts make good substitutes. Experiment with different varieties of pepper to give the sauce a character all of its own.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off the culinary experience, choose drinks that complement the dish. A fresh, fruity white wine or rosé harmonises wonderfully with the flavours of the calçots and the romesco sauce. For non-alcoholic options, a homemade iced tea or sparkling mineral water with citrus fruits works nicely. A light beer also pairs well with this dish.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can make a real difference to your dish. Serve the calçots on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. Use small bowls for the romesco sauce to create an inviting table. Alongside, offer some fresh bread — a slice of Pa Amb Tomaquet is ideal for soaking up the sauce and makes the meal even more appealing.
A bit of history
Calçots amb romesco has its roots in the traditional cuisine of Catalonia, where it is especially beloved. Originally a simple country dish, it is now enjoyed by many during the calçotada feasts, which celebrate the grilling of calçots. The pairing with romesco sauce is a classic example of how regional ingredients and Mediterranean flavours come together. The story of this dish is not only interesting from a culinary point of view but also culturally significant for the people of Andorra and the surrounding region — a fine example of hearty Andorran cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Calçots amb Romesco
Calçots amb romesco is a unique dish that unites the traditions of Andorran and Catalan cooking. The combination of grilled calçots and aromatic romesco sauce offers an unforgettable taste experience. Whether shared in good company or served as the highlight of a special occasion, this dish brings the rustic charm of the Pyrenees to the table. Let this delicious speciality inspire you and enjoy a little Mediterranean flair right in your own home.
