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Ajvar is a Serbian roasted red pepper sauce.
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5 from 12 votes

Ajvar Roasted Red Pepper Relish

Ajvar is a delicious relish made with roasted red bell peppers and eggplants. It's perfect with meat and vegetables or as a spread with some fresh bread.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Basic, condiments
Cuisine: Balkan
Servings: 4
Calories: 151kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 red bell peppers
  • 1 eggplant globe or Italian
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 ½ tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Turn on the gas stove or outdoor grill to medium high. Place the red bell peppers over the open flame. Pierce the eggplant a few times with a fork and place it on the open flame as well.
  • Grill and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, rotating frequently. The peppers' skin will be completely charred and the eggplant will be tender. Remove from the stove and transfer to a bowl. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and leave the vegetable to sweat. This will help with the peeling.
  • Once the vegetable are cool enough to handle, peel them and discard the red bell peppers' seeds.
  • Place the vegetables in the bowl of a food processor and ad the olive oil, garlic, white vinegar and salt. blend until the ingredients are mixed and the mixture is smooth.
  • Transfer the ajvar to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes. This is an optional step but I strongly recommend it for better texture and deeper flavor.
  • Remove ajvar from the heat and let it come to room temperature before serving. You can serve ajvar cold or at room temperature.

Video

Notes

  • You can serve ajvar with grilled meat such as chicken kebab or beef shish kabob. It's also common to serve it with bread such as pita. 
  • Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze ajvar for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving it. 

Nutrition

Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 588mg | Potassium: 466mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2821IU | Vitamin C: 118mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg