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!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

In a food processor, combine the roasted vegetables, garlic cloves, olive oil, red wine vinegar, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Serve the ajvar as a dip with bread or crackers, a spread for sandwiches, or a condiment alongside grilled meats or vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1643.5 grams (1643.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	885

Total Fat 46.00g	59%
Saturated Fat 7.70g	39%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.30g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2985mg	130%
Total Carbohydrate 102.50g	37%
Dietary Fiber 39.80g	142%
Total Sugars 56.90g
Protein 17.70g	35%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 152mg	12%
Iron 7mg	40%
Potassium 3620mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.3%

Protein: 7.9%

Carbs: 45.8%