Mediterranean Diet Homemade Ajvar Sauce
Elevate your Mediterranean-inspired meals with this rich and flavorful Homemade Ajvar Sauce, a staple that perfectly embodies the heart of the Mediterranean diet. This smoky and tangy red pepper and eggplant spread is made by roasting fresh vegetables to perfection, giving it a deep, caramelized flavor. Finished with aromatic garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a splash of zesty lemon juice and red wine vinegar, this ajvar delivers a harmonious balance of sweetness, smokiness, and acidity. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with wholesome ingredients, it’s the ideal healthy addition to your table. Serve it as a vibrant dip, spread it over crusty bread, or use it as a versatile condiment to enhance grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. Ready in just over an hour with minimal prep, this homemade ajvar is a must-try for Mediterranean diet enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 large red bell peppers
- 2 medium eggplant
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Wash and dry the red bell peppers and eggplants.
Place the red bell peppers and eggplants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is blackened and blistered.
Remove the vegetables from the oven, place them in a bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam. This makes peeling easier.
Peel the skins off the cooled red bell peppers and eggplants. Remove the seeds from the red peppers and the stem ends from the eggplants.
In a food processor, combine the peeled red bell peppers, eggplants, and garlic cloves.
Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Add the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the food processor.
Process everything together until the ajvar is smooth and all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer the ajvar to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together before serving.
Serve as a spread, dip, or condiment and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
871 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.0 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.0 g | 35% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3552 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 108.5 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 46.4 g | 166% | |
| Total Sugars | 61.9 g | ||
| Protein | 18.3 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 164 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 3967 mg | 84% | |
*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.
