Heart-Healthy Homemade Ajvar Sauce
Experience the bold, smoky flavors of the Mediterranean with our Heart-Healthy Homemade Ajvar Sauce, a vibrant roasted red pepper and eggplant spread. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and fresh parsley, this recipe is a nutritious twist on the classic Balkan condiment. The vegetables are roasted to perfection, giving the sauce a rich depth of flavor, while a hint of paprika and optional cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of warmth. Perfect as a spread on sandwiches, a dip for veggies, or a topping for grilled meats and fish, this versatile, low-fat dish is a must-have in your repertoire. Ready in under an hour and packed with antioxidants, our homemade ajvar is a delicious and heart-smart addition to any meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces red bell peppers
- 1 medium eggplant
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash and pat dry the red bell peppers and eggplant. Place them whole on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the skin is charred and blistered.
Once roasted, remove the peppers and eggplant from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid to allow them to steam as they cool; this will make the skins easier to peel off.
While the vegetables are cooling, peel and mince the garlic cloves.
Once cooled enough to handle, peel the skin off the red peppers and eggplant. Remove the seeds and stems from the peppers.
Place the skinned peppers and eggplant into a food processor. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Pulse the mixture in the food processor until you achieve a smooth consistency with a little bit of texture.
Taste the ajvar and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more lemon juice or a bit more olive oil if desired.
Transfer the ajvar to a clean jar or bowl. It’s ready to be served right away or can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Use the ajvar as a spread on sandwiches, a dip for vegetables, or a topping for grilled meats and fish, making it a delicious and heart-healthy choice for various dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
556 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.7 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1787 mg | 78% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.8 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.3 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.3 g | ||
| Protein | 11.0 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 111 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 4.5 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 2330 mg | 50% | |
*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.
