Homemade Ajvar Sauce

Experience the irresistible flavors of the Balkans with this Homemade Ajvar Sauce recipe, a velvety spread made from roasted red bell peppers and eggplant. Bursting with smoky, tangy, and savory notes, this versatile condiment is enhanced by garlic, olive oil, and a touch of paprika for depth of flavor. The recipe's slow roasting technique brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while a splash of lemon juice and white vinegar adds a refreshing zing. Perfect as a dip, sandwich spread, or accompaniment to grilled meats, this easy-to-make ajvar is both a crowd-pleaser and a pantry staple. Prepare it with just 15 minutes of prep and enjoy a richly flavored, homemade sauce that tastes like tradition in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds red bell peppers
• 1 medium eggplant
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

Step 2

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3

Wash the red bell peppers and eggplant. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4

Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the skins are charred and blistered, turning them halfway through the cooking process.

Step 5

Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap to trap steam and let them cool for about 15 minutes. This will make it easier to peel them.

Step 6

Once cool, peel the skins off the peppers and eggplant, remove the seeds from the peppers, and discard them.

Step 7

Place the peeled peppers, eggplant, and garlic cloves in a food processor.

Step 8

Add olive oil, white vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, and lemon juice to the processor.

Step 9

Blend until you achieve a thick, smooth consistency.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then transfer the ajvar to a pot.

Step 11

Heat the pot on medium heat and cook the ajvar for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld and excess moisture evaporate.

Step 12

Remove from heat and let the ajvar cool to room temperature.

Step 13

Transfer the ajvar to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1446.7 grams (1446.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	580

Total Fat 17.60g	23%
Saturated Fat 3.20g	16%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2977mg	129%
Total Carbohydrate 93.00g	34%
Dietary Fiber 35.10g	125%
Total Sugars 54.60g
Protein 15.10g	30%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 129mg	10%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 3185mg	68%

*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: 26.8%

Protein: 10.2%

Carbs: 63.0%