Ajvar
Ajvar is a classic Balkan condiment. Made from freshly roasted red peppers and eggplant, it's a versatile spread or dip that pairs well with meat, bread, or vegetables.
Servings 5
Ingredients
- 5 red bell peppers
- 1 large eggplant
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- chili flakes, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the bell peppers in half and remove the core and seeds. Cut the eggplant in half. Place the pepper and eggplant halves on the baking sheet, cut side facing down.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until both the peppers and the eggplant have a charred skin.
- Transfer them to a colander to drain and cool.
- Once they are cool enough to touch, peel the peppers and scoop out the flesh of the eggplant using a spoon. Place the peeled peppers and eggplant flesh in a food processor or blender and blend.
- In a small pot or deeper pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add the blended peppers and eggplant along with the minced garlic. Also add chili flakes if desired (optional). Cook over low heat for about 20 to 30 minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated. Stir every few minutes.
- Add salt, sugar, white vinegar and black pepper, and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the remaining olive oil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve as a spread for bread or as a dip for meat and veggies.
Notes
- Roasting the peppers and eggplant until the skin is charred gives the ajvar a smoky flavor, so don't skip it.
- Instead of red bell peppers, you can also try this recipe with other types of peppers, for example, cubanelle peppers.
- The quality of the ingredients can make a big difference. If possible, use a high-quality olive oil.
- Adjust the garlic, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to your personal taste.
Nutrition
Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 82mg | Potassium: 467mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 3747IU | Vitamin C: 155mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
This nutritional information has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator. It should only be seen as a rough calculation and not a replacement for professional dietary advice.
