Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Romesco Sauce

Romesco sauce has its roots in the Spanish province of Catalonia. Although the mixture has lots of variations, most combine roasted red peppers, nuts, garlic, and crusty bread to make a thick sauce that often tops grilled fish. Prep and Cook Time: 40 minutes. Notes: Smoked Spanish paprika, also known as pimenton, is available in the spice aisles of many grocery stores.

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 8  wood or metal skewers
• 2  pounds  boned, skinned chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-in. cubes
• 1/2  cup  chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2  cup  extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2  tablespoons  fresh lime juice
• 2  teaspoons  plus 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1  teaspoon  coarse kosher salt
• 1  teaspoon  smoked Spanish paprika (pimenton; see Notes)
• 1/2  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4  cup  peeled roasted red peppers (canned or fresh)
• 1/4  cup  whole almonds or hazelnuts, toasted
• 1  slice crusty bread, toasted and cut into cubes
• 1  tablespoon  sherry vinegar
• 2  bunches green onions, root ends trimmed

Preparation

1. If using wood skewers, soak in cold water at least 30 minutes before using. In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine chicken, cilantro, 3 tbsp. olive oil, lime juice, 2 tsp. garlic, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper. Toss to coat, then marinate, chilled, 25 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, put roasted peppers, nuts, bread, vinegar, remaining 1 tbsp. minced garlic, and 1/4 cup olive oil in food processor and whirl until puréed; sauce will be thick.

3. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high (you can hold your hand 1 to 2 in. above cooking grate only 3 to 4 seconds). Thread chicken onto skewers, discarding marinade. Drizzle green onions with remaining 1 tbsp. olive oil. Lay skewers on grill (cover if using gas) and cook 4 minutes. Turn skewers over, then lay green onions on grill. Cook 4 minutes, until chicken is browned and cooked through and onions are charred in places. Serve hot, accompanied by sauce.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

533 (47% from fat)

Protein:

56g

Fat:

28g (sat 4.2)

Carbohydrate:

14g

Fiber:

2.9g

Sodium:

495mg

Cholesterol:

132mg