Here’s a traditional Calçot recipe—the classic Catalan grilled green onions served with romesco sauce 🔥🧅
Calçots (Catalan-Style Grilled Green Onions)
What Are Calçots?
Calçots are a type of sweet green onion from Catalonia, Spain. They’re grilled until charred, peeled, dipped in sauce, and eaten whole—usually at a calçotada (a festive cookout).
Ingredients
Calçots
- 12–24 calçots (or substitute large green onions / scallions)
- Olive oil (optional)
- Salt (optional)
Traditional Romesco Sauce
- 2 roasted red bell peppers (or jarred, drained)
- 1 small tomato, roasted or raw
- ¼ cup toasted almonds (or almonds + hazelnuts)
- 1–2 garlic cloves, roasted or raw
- 1 slice day-old bread, toasted
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½–¾ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
How to Cook Calçots
Grill Method (Traditional)
- Prep
- Trim root ends slightly, keeping onions whole.
- Do not peel.
- Grill
- Place directly over hot grill or open flame.
- Cook until completely blackened on the outside, turning occasionally (10–15 minutes).
- Steam
- Remove and wrap in newspaper or foil.
- Let rest 10 minutes (this softens the inside).
- Peel & Eat
- Peel off the charred outer layer.
- Dip the tender white part into romesco sauce.
Oven Method (Indoor Option)
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Place calçots on a baking sheet.
- Roast 20–25 minutes, turning once, until charred and soft.
- Broil 2–3 minutes for extra char.
Romesco Sauce Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor.
- Blend until slightly chunky or smooth (your choice).
- Adjust salt, vinegar, and oil to taste.
How to Eat (Traditional Way)
- Wear a bib 😄
- Hold calçot by the green top.
- Dip the white end generously into sauce.
- Lower straight into your mouth.
Tips & Variations
- No calçots available? Use thick green onions or leeks.
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seeds instead of almonds.
- Extra smoky: Grill peppers and tomatoes over flame.
If you want, I can also share:
- Calçots with garlic aioli
- Seafood-style romesco
- Full calçotada menu (meat, wine, sides) 🍷🔥
