Ajvar Recipe 169 2

Ajvar | Versatile Balkan Roasted Red Pepper & Eggplant Spread

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There’s something magical about homemade Ajvar—the rich, smoky aroma, the vibrant red color, and the deep, roasted flavors that instantly transport us to a cozy Balkan kitchen. If you’ve never had Ajvar before, think of it as a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread that’s packed with flavor, incredibly versatile, and completely addictive.

We first discovered Ajvar on a trip through the Balkans, where it’s a staple in every home. Whether spread on warm bread, served alongside grilled vegetables, or used as a dip, Ajvar is one of those recipes that you’ll want to keep in your fridge at all times. Once we started making it ourselves, there was no turning back!

🔥 What Makes Ajvar So Special?

✔ Smoky & Rich – Roasted red peppers and eggplant create an incredible depth of flavor.
✔ Naturally Vegan – No dairy, no additives—just pure, wholesome ingredients.
✔ Versatile – Use it as a spread, dip, or even a pasta sauce!
✔ Easy to Store – Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for weeks.

💡 Fun Fact: Ajvar is often called “Balkan caviar” because of its luxurious texture and deep, complex taste.

The Key Ingredients for the Perfect Ajvar

Like all great traditional recipes, Ajvar is made with simple ingredients but delivers big flavor. The stars of the show? Roasted red peppers and eggplant. These two ingredients, when properly roasted and blended, create that signature smoky sweetness that makes Ajvar irresistible.

We also add garlic, olive oil, and a touch of vinegar for balance, along with a bit of chili if we’re in the mood for a spicy kick. The best part? You can easily adjust the spice level to your taste!

💡 Pro Tip: The best Ajvar comes from fire-roasting the peppers and eggplant. If you have a grill, use it! Otherwise, an oven will do the trick.

🔥 The Secret to That Signature Smoky Flavor

The most important step in making Ajvar is properly roasting the vegetables. This process brings out their natural sweetness while giving them that deep, smoky essence that defines this dish.

We like to char the red peppers until the skins are completely blackened, then let them steam before peeling. This makes removing the skins super easy and ensures a silky-smooth texture. The eggplant gets the same treatment—it’s roasted until soft and creamy inside.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip the step of steaming the roasted peppers in a covered bowl! This makes peeling them much easier.

🌶️ Mild or Spicy? You Decide!

Ajvar can be made in two main styles: mild and sweet or spicy and bold. If you love heat, add a hot red chili pepper or a pinch of chili flakes when blending. We love both versions, but when we’re feeling adventurous, we go for the spicy one—it’s the perfect way to add some kick to any meal!

💡 Fun Fact: In Serbia and North Macedonia, families often prepare Ajvar in huge batches and store it in jars for the whole winter!

 

How to Serve Ajvar

There are endless ways to enjoy Ajvar, which is why we always have a jar in our fridge! Here are some of our favorites:

🥖 As a spread – Slather it on fresh bread or toast for a simple but delicious snack.
🍟 As a dip – Serve it with roasted veggies, pita chips, or crispy fries.
🍝 As a pasta sauce – Toss it with your favorite pasta for a smoky, creamy dish.
🥗 As a condiment – Pair it with grilled veggies, falafel, or even tofu for extra flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Mix Ajvar with a little plant-based yogurt or tahini for a creamy dipping sauce!

 

How to Store and Preserve Ajvar

If you make a big batch of Ajvar, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh. Here’s how:

✅ Refrigerate it – Keep it in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top. It stays fresh for about 2 weeks.
✅ Freeze it – Ajvar freezes beautifully! Just portion it into small jars and thaw when needed.
✅ Can it for long-term storage – If you’re feeling traditional, you can preserve Ajvar in sterilized jars for months.

💡 Pro Tip: The flavor gets even better after a day or two in the fridge!

 

🇷🇸 Bring a Taste of the Balkans to Your Kitchen

Ajvar is more than just a spread—it’s a piece of Balkan culture, full of warmth, tradition, and incredible flavor. Whether you’re making it for the first time or you’ve been a fan for years, this homemade Ajvar recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

So grab those red peppers, fire up the oven, and get ready to fall in love with this smoky, rich, and utterly addictive Balkan classic. Happy cooking!

Discover the bold flavors of Ajvar, a popular Balkan condiment made from roasted red peppers and eggplants, blended with garlic and spices. This versatile and flavorful spread can be used as a dip, a side dish, or a topping for grilled vegetables. Bursting with rich, smoky flavors, Ajvar adds a delicious Mediterranean touch to any meal, making it a must-have condiment in your kitchen. Perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes!
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Balkan
Servings 6
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large red bell peppers
  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1-2 tbsp red wine vinegar to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp sugar optional, to balance the flavors
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika optional, for a smoky flavor

Instructions
 

  • Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Place the red bell peppers and eggplants on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and the vegetables are tender.
  • Alternatively, you can roast them on a grill for a smokier flavor.
  • Cool and Peel: Remove the vegetables from the oven and place them in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and let them steam for about 15 minutes. This makes it easier to peel the skins off.
  • Once cooled, peel the skins off the peppers and eggplants. Remove the seeds from the peppers and the stems from both.
  • Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the peeled peppers, eggplants, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, sugar (if using), and smoked paprika (if using).
  • Blend until smooth or leave it a bit chunky, depending on your preference. You can adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • Cook the Ajvar: Transfer the blended mixture to a large pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30-45 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld together.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Cool and Store: Let the ajvar cool to room temperature. Transfer to sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • You can also freeze ajvar in airtight containers for longer storage.

Notes

Ajvar is a wonderful addition to any meal, bringing a rich and savory flavor that enhances the taste of meats, vegetables, and even simple bread. Enjoy!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Ajvar Recipe

🌶️ What Is Ajvar?
Ajvar is a rich and flavorful Balkan red pepper and eggplant spread. It has a smoky, slightly sweet taste and can be used as a dip, spread, or sauce.

🔥 Can I Make Ajvar Spicier?
Yes! Traditional ajvar can be mild or spicy. If you like heat, add chili peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix.

🍆 Do I Have to Use Eggplant?
Eggplant adds depth and creaminess to ajvar, but if you prefer, you can make a version with only roasted red peppers for a slightly sweeter taste.

🥖 How Can I Use Ajvar?
Ajvar is incredibly versatile! Spread it on bread, use it as a dip, mix it into pasta, or serve it alongside grilled vegetables and plant-based proteins.

🌡️ How Do I Store Homemade Ajvar?
Store ajvar in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze it in small portions or preserve it in sterilized jars.

🫙 Can I Make a Large Batch and Preserve It?
Yes! If you want to preserve ajvar, store it in sterilized jars and process them in a water bath to seal them properly. This way, it can last for months.

We hope these tips help you make the perfect Ajvar! Enjoy! 🌶️🍆🥖

3 Responses

  2. Elena G.

    5 stars
    ¡El ajvar quedó delicioso! Usé el consejo de las preguntas frecuentes para ajustar la acidez con un poco más de vinagre, y realmente elevó el sabor. 😍 ¡Gracias por compartir esta receta tan versátil!

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