Description
Ajvar is a traditional Balkan pepper spread made with roasted red peppers, eggplant, and garlic, seasoned with olive oil and vinegar. This flavorful vegan condiment is perfect for spreading on bread, crackers, or as a dip.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 6 red bell peppers
- 2 medium eggplants
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Roast Vegetables: Roast bell peppers and eggplants whole for 30-40 minutes until charred.
- Steam and Peel: Let the vegetables steam, then peel off skins and remove seeds.
- Blend: In a food processor, blend the peeled vegetables with garlic until smooth.
- Simmer: Transfer mixture to a pan, add olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Let cool, then transfer to a jar and refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Notes
- Ajvar can be made spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or using hot peppers.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the vegetables instead of roasting.
- It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Balkan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
