Ajvar is a pepper spread popular all over the Balkans. Typically made with fresh, roasted paprika peppers and (sometimes) eggplant, the bright garden flavor goes great with all manner of meat, especially burgers. The versatile spread can also turn into a sauce for pasta, pizza, or a sandwich. Some make it spicy while others make it mild – the choice is yours.
| Servings |
| 6 people |
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Ajvar is a pepper spread popular all over the Balkans. Typically made with fresh, roasted paprika peppers and (sometimes) eggplant, the bright garden flavor goes great with all manner of meat, especially burgers. The versatile spread can also turn into a sauce for pasta, pizza, or a sandwich. Some make it spicy while others make it mild – the choice is yours.
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Ingredients
- 6 red bell peppers
- 1 small eggplants
- 2-4 cloves garlic , to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Servings: people
Units:
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium. Meanwhile, poke holes in the eggplant to get it ready for grilling.
- Grill the peppers and eggplant, rotating every 10 minutes or so, until the skin is blistering and blackened. The peppers took about 20 minutes and the eggplant about 30.
- Set the cooked peppers aside in a covered bowl until cool enough to handle. They will steam themselves which helps separate skin from the flesh.
- Meanwhile, when the eggplant is cool enough to handle, cut in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape eggplant flesh into processor (leave out the skin and most of the seeds). Puree with garlic in food processor until smooth (about 30 seconds to a minute).
- Next, peel the peppers and remove seeds and any liquids. Combine with the pureed eggplant in the food processor. Stir in olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Pulse the peppers until you form a coarse mixture, somewhere between ketchup and chunky tomato sauce. It’s really up to you and what makes you smile.
Recipe Notes
As I don’t have access to fresh paprika peppers, I went totally mild with bell peppers and loved every bite. To kick yours up a notch, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a roasted hot pepper of choice.