Grilled Tomato and Espelette Chili Sauce
This Smoky Tomato Chili Sauce with Espelette is a mildly spicy condiment made with fresh tomatoes, peppers, and garlic. Blended with lemon juice, parsley, and olive oil, it’s a versatile sauce that pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted fish, chicken, or steak. Perfect for summer cookouts or whenever you want to bring a touch of Basque-inspired flavor to your table.
Ingredients
- 400 g ripe tomatoes
- 2 Espelette chilies
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves peeled
- salt
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- black pepper
- 1 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar or honey optional
Instructions
- Preheat your grill. Wash and halve the tomatoes. Cut the bell pepper into 6–8 wedges.
- Place the tomatoes, Espelette chilies, bell pepper wedges, and garlic cloves in a dish. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Grill the vegetables until cooked through, preferably on a grill plate. Let them cool to room temperature.
- Peel the bell pepper wedges and the Espelette chilies by letting them cool slightly, then gently removing the skins with your fingers or a small knife; it’s okay if some of the charred skin remains, as it adds smoky flavor.
- Blend the grilled vegetables with lemon juice, remaining olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and parsley until smooth.
- Optionally, add 1 tsp of sugar or honey to the sauce to balance the heat of the chilies and enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Chili alternatives: If Espelette chilies are hard to find, you can substitute other medium-hot chilies with thicker flesh, such as Fresno or red Anaheim peppers. They bring a similar balance of gentle heat and sweetness without overpowering the sauce. Avoid thinner, very hot chilies, as they will change the flavor and intensity of the dish.
- Texture and taste: The sauce should be smooth and velvety. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the blender a few times instead of blending until completely smooth.
- Serving ideas: This sauce isn’t limited to fish, chicken, or steak. Try it as a topping for roasted vegetables, or swirl a spoonful into soups and stews to add depth and brightness. It is also great as a dipping sauce for French fries or raw vegetables.