Summer

Arranque Roteño (Thick Tomato Dip)

August  8, 2013
4.5
2 Ratings
Photo by James Ransom
  • Prep time 1 hour
  • Serves 3 to 4
Author Notes

This easy dish originates from Rota in Andalucia, Spain. A close relative to gazpacho or Cordoba’s solemero, it's served as a dip with crudites or picos (hard bread crackers). The old wives' tale goes that it was created during a drought when there wasn't enough water to make a gazpacho. While the truth behind that claim is still up for debate, the result is an absolutely delicious summertime dip.
Note: This recipe was shared by a local family-run restaurant in Rota that my husband and I would routinely visit to enjoy tapas on their patio. —Courtney Pollock

Test Kitchen Notes

It really doesn't get much easier than this dip: four ingredients and seasoning and done. I went with a fairly thick texture -- almost hummus-like -- and it seemed to work fine. The flavor was good and went really well with pita chips. I would make it again, but I might not make it quite so thick next time. —figgypudding

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Ingredients
  • 4 to 5 red medium-sized tomatoes
  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves
  • 3 to 5 Italian green peppers
  • 1 dash Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 pound breadcrumbs (preferably from a 2-day-old baguette)
Directions
  1. In a medium bowl, blend tomatoes, green peppers, and garlic cloves with a stick blender. Next add breadcrumbs, olive oil, and salt to taste until the texture thickens to your desired consistency. Place in container and chill in fridge for at least 45 minutes before serving.
  2. Serve with sliced vegetables (green pepper slices are great!) or picos.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

11 Reviews

Lisa R. July 5, 2017
Pico's are out of stock in that link, Janet. Bummer. Also, I may need to substitute other peppers for the Italian green peppers, as I doubt I can find them here.
janet T. July 5, 2017
What exactly are Italian green peppers?
Gria A. August 27, 2015
the instructions mention olive oil but there is nothing in the measurements. How much should i use?
Gail 🐝. January 20, 2015
Oh just noticed link below. They are bread sticks.
It there a recipe for these ones
Gail 🐝. January 20, 2015
What are picos ?
When I googled it I only got a range of mountains Lol
Debbie M. July 29, 2014
I believe you mean Cordoba's salmorejo XD not salomero :)
JanetFL August 10, 2013
This does sound good and easy! Thank you!
creamtea August 9, 2013
This sounds so good and easy. Must try!
Beth L. August 8, 2013
Thank You Courtney!!!! Now, I just need some picos...how to get them, I need to figure that one out now! Do you have a recipe for that one?
JanetFL August 10, 2013
Beth, I found picos online - here is the link: http://www.tienda.com/food/products/bd-32-2.html
Beth L. August 10, 2013
Thanks Janet, Courtney also sent me in their direction (bad, bad girls) and I have ordered picos, peppers, and mollette!! Another friend saw what I posted about ordering and went to their site and ordered a bunch of stuff too!