Roasted Red Pepper and Eggplant Spread (Ajvar)
Roasted red pepper and eggplant spread, known as ajvar in Croatia is a spread bursting with a rich, deep, smoky flavor. Versatile for any time of day, ajvar is perfect with bread, cheese, and olives as a mezza dip or condiment.
Servings: 32 tablespoons
Calories: 9kcal
Equipment
- 1 Parchment paper (One sheet)
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized red bell peppers
- 1 medium-sized eggplant
- 3 tablesppons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (215°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Roast Vegetables: Place the red peppers and eggplant on the prepared tray. Oven roast at 425°F for 40-60 minutes, or until the pepper skins are significantly charred.
- Cool and Steam: Transfer the baked eggplant and peppers to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap to trap steam. Let them cool for 20-30 minutes. This step makes removing the skins easier.
- Peel Skins: Remove the plastic wrap and peel the skins from the eggplant and peppers. They should peel off easily with your hands or a small paring knife. Discard the skins, cores, and seeds.
- Process Ingredients: Place the peeled eggplant, peppers, garlic, olive oil, white vinegar, and salt into a food processor. Pulse until smooth.
- Simmer: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 30-60 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Ajvar is served at room temperature or cold. See notes for serving ideas.
Notes
Notes
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with crusty bread, toast, or crackers. Add feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.
- Use it as a dip and serve with fresh vegetables.
- Serve ajvar on a mezze platter alongside other Mediterranean dips, such as hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush, olives, feta cheese, and pita bread.
- Spread ajvar on sandwiches or wraps instead of mayo, mustard, or pesto.
- Use ajvar as a salad dressing, either mixed directly into the salad or drizzled on top for a unique and flavorful twist.
- Use as a sauce on pizza or pasta.
Nutrition
Calories: 9kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 469IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg