Ajvar Roasted Red Pepper Spread
Meet your new favorite condiment: Ajvar Roasted Red Pepper Spread, a smoky, flavorful delight that’s as versatile as it is simple to make. This Balkan-inspired recipe combines roasted red bell peppers and eggplant with garlic, olive oil, and a touch of red wine vinegar for a velvety, deeply savory spread bursting with natural sweetness and a hint of tanginess. A sprinkling of paprika enhances its vibrant color and adds a subtle warmth, making it perfect for pairing with crusty bread, grilled meats, or as a kitchen staple to elevate sandwiches and wraps. Ready in just an hour, this gluten-free, vegan-friendly spread is a bold, satisfying addition to your appetizer table or meal prep repertoire. Perfect for anyone seeking a delicious, homemade alternative to store-bought dips!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 large red bell peppers
- 1 medium eggplant
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Place the red bell peppers and the whole eggplant on a large baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and the vegetables are soft.
Remove the vegetables from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to let them steam for 10 minutes. This will make the skins easier to peel.
Once cooled, peel the skins off the roasted bell peppers and eggplant. Remove the seeds and stems from the peppers, and discard the eggplant stem. Roughly chop the flesh of both.
In a food processor, combine the roasted vegetables, garlic cloves, olive oil, red wine vinegar, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Transfer the ajvar to a bowl or jar. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serve the ajvar as a dip with bread or crackers, a spread for sandwiches, or a condiment alongside grilled meats or vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
885 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.0 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2985 mg | 130% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 102.5 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 39.8 g | 142% | |
| Total Sugars | 56.9 g | ||
| Protein | 17.7 g | 35% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 152 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 3620 mg | 77% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
