AppetizersBalkan RichardObradovic May 25, 2025 234
Site avg: 4.4 / 5 Total votes: 9
Description
Roasted red peppers, slow-cooked to silky perfection with just a hint of garlic and oil. This Balkan classic spreads like butter, tastes like late summer, and smells like every childhood kitchen in September.
Ingredients
πΆοΈ 5kg red bell peppers (meaty, ripe)
π 1kg eggplants (optional, for depth)
π§ 3β4 garlic cloves (optional)
π’οΈ 250ml sunflower oil
π§ Salt, to taste
πΆοΈ Optional: a chili or two for spicy ajvar
Preparation
1. π₯ Roast whole peppers (and eggplants) over open flame or in oven at 220Β°C until skin is charred.
2. π₯΅ Transfer to a bowl, cover, and let steam for 15β20 min.
3. β Peel off skin, remove seeds and stems. Drain in a colander overnight or at least 4β5 hours.
4. π Grind or finely chop the roasted vegetables.
5. π’οΈ In a large pot, heat oil. Add pepper mixture and stir well.
6. π² Cook on low heat for 2β3 hours, stirring often until thick and shiny. Add garlic and salt to taste.
7. π₯ When oil starts to separate slightly and the spoon leaves a clear trail, ajvar is ready.
8. π« Pour hot into sterilized jars. Seal tightly. Cool under a blanket overnight.
Total Time
βοΈ Prep: 1 hour (plus draining time)
π² Cook: 2β3 hours
β Total: ~4 hours active time
Nutritional Value
π₯ Calories: ~45 kcal
π§ Fat: 4g
π Carbs: 2g
πΏ Fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants
Advice
π‘ Stir constantly during cooking, especially near the end β ajvar catches easily.
Status
π£
Smoky, silky, and made with patience β Ajvar is the soul of every Balkan pantry. One bite on bread and you're back at grandma's table. Roast, stir, taste, repeat.
#GrannyZen #Ajvar #RoastedPepperMagic #BalkanGold #HomemadeTradition
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5.0 / 50 votes
Diff avg: β/50 short β’ 0 right β’ 0 long0 easy β’ 0 hard
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