Macedonian Ajvar
Found throughout the Balkans, ajvar is a smokey, slightly sweet and sometimes spicy pepper and eggplant spread that is simple to make - even if you only have access to an oven!
Ingredients
- 4-5 red peppers cut into large strips, ribs & seeds removed
- 1 small eggplant pricked several times with a fork
- 1-2 cayenne chilies optional (see note 1)
- ½ tsp chili flakes optional (see note 1)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- ½ tsp sugar optional (see note 2)
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler/grill to as high as your oven will go. Keep the rack in the middle. Line a baking tray with foil and grease lightly with oil. Arrange the peppers, chili and eggplant on the tray and move to the oven. Broil until charred and blackened - about 20 minutes.
- Allow the vegetables to cool for a few minutes before roughly chopping them and adding to the bowl of a food processor (see note 3). Pulse several times until the peppers and eggplant are very smooth and broken down.
- Add 1 tbsp of olive oil along with the chili flakes (if using) to a large saucepan. Set over medium heat and, once shimmering, add the garlic. Cook until fragrant - about 30 seconds.
- Scrape the pureed pepper mixture into the pan and stir to combine. Add the salt and bring up to a simmer. Allow to simmer, stirring frequently, for 5-10 minutes. Taste to adjust for seasoning and stir in the vinegar and sugar, if using. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Omit the chilis and the chili flakes if you do not want a spicy (ljuti) ajvar
- Taste the ajvar before adding the sugar. Some peppers are sweeter than others and it's not always necessary to add additional sugar to get the desired finished flavour.
- If you do not have a food processor, wait until the vegetables are cool to the touch before very finely chopping them with a knife. The finished ajvar will not be as smooth, but it will still be delicious.
Nutrition
Calories: 28kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.05g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1573IU | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is automatically generated and provided as guidance only. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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