Serbian Ajvar Recipe
This authentic Serbian Ajvar Recipe is a rich and smoky roasted red pepper spread made with eggplant, garlic, oil, and simple seasonings. A staple of Serbian cuisine, it's delicious served with bread, grilled meats, cheese, or as part of a traditional Balkan appetizer platter.
Servings: 8
Calories: 90kcal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds red bell peppers
- ¾ pound eggplant
- 5 tsp freshly minced garlic
- ¼ cup sunflower oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat a grill, barbecue, or oven to roast the vegetables.
- Roast the red bell peppers until the skins are charred and blistered on all sides.
- Transfer the peppers to a covered bowl and let them steam for about 20 minutes.
- Peel the peppers and remove the stems, cores, and seeds.
- Pierce the eggplant several times with a fork and roast until completely soft and the skin is charred.
- Allow the eggplant to cool, then peel off the skin and remove any large pockets of seeds.
- Place the roasted peppers, eggplant, garlic, oil, vinegar, and salt into a food processor.
- Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth while still retaining a little texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan.
- Simmer over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened.
- Taste and season with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt if needed.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with bread, grilled meats, cheese, or your favorite Serbian dishes.
Notes
- Use fully ripe red peppers for the sweetest flavor.
- Roasting the vegetables until well charred creates authentic smoky flavor.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent sticking.
- Homemade Ajvar tastes even better after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.