Red Pepper-Eggplant Ajvar Recipe (2024)

10 minutes is not enough for garlic to roast, and 30 minutes was nowhere near long enough to roast the eggplant and peppers. I had to flip the big veggies at least once, and I cannot remember exactly how much extra time I gave it, but it was at least 10 and as many as 20 minutes over the suggested 30. Maybe it was my oven, but it's not THAT far off.
Results are totally worth it, though.

Stupendous! And dead easy. I love roasting the peppers and eggplant instead of broiling them; it's simpler and requires less attention.

As an eggplant lover, I have always been a huge fan of this spread. However, not only can it be hard to find in the store, but it is often laced with preservatives and/or sugar. This recipe makes it a cinch to make, and it is wonderfully simple and delicious. I found the timings all appropriate in a preheated oven. I added a dash of paprika and was generous with the salt. The hardest part is cleaning the food processor! I will definitely make this again.

A key component of this recipe that's missing is a tablespoon or so (to taste) of distilled white vinegar. And instead of roasting the multiple cloves of garlic, I simply add one (or two, depending on how much I'm making at once) cloves of raw garlic directly to the food processor with the other ingredients. The residual warmth from the eggplant and peppers are enough to temper the garlic's punch, and with the distilled white vinegar, make these two humble ingredients really sing.

I made this for a Balkan-themed dinner. Contrary to another comment, the cloves of garlic can definitely soften in 10 minutes at this temperature. I added smoked paprika for even more smoky flavor. This is terrific, and tastes even better the next day. I'm looking forward to serving it to my guests. AND hopefully I will find it on a menu when traveling in the Balkan countries this fall.

Any ideas for ways to use Ajvar? Ajvar is sometimes used as an alternative to tomato puree and related products. I use it on pizza and in lasagna as I would pizza or tomato sauce. By experimenting with herbs, veggies, cheeses, I have been able to get some satisfying results. I purchase the brand Zergut at my local food coop because it's so quick, but I look forward to trying this recipe.

Making ajvar is time consuming when done properly. Removing all the seeds and skins is a worthwhile step that greatly improves the texture. Traditionally the vegetables are roasted over a fire. The smokiness adds a wonderful savory complexity. If you have a smoker/charcoal grill both work great. I have neither so I cooked the vegetables on low on my gas grill with a few wood briquettes placed on the grates. (A fantastic trick for anyone who doesn't know it!) Finish with wine vinegar or lemon.

Do you have to remove seeds and skin? Since it is going in the food processor anyway....

Letting it simmer gently, while stirring often, really adds a complexity and lets the flavors develop after taking it out of the food processor. Adding a splash of white wine vinegar, some lemon juice and crushed red pepper also helps.

As an eggplant lover, I have always been a huge fan of this spread. However, not only can it be hard to find in the store, but it is often laced with preservatives and/or sugar. This recipe makes it a cinch to make, and it is wonderfully simple and delicious. I found the timings all appropriate in a preheated oven. I added a dash of paprika and was generous with the salt. The hardest part is cleaning the food processor! I will definitely make this again.

10 minutes is not enough for garlic to roast, and 30 minutes was nowhere near long enough to roast the eggplant and peppers. I had to flip the big veggies at least once, and I cannot remember exactly how much extra time I gave it, but it was at least 10 and as many as 20 minutes over the suggested 30. Maybe it was my oven, but it's not THAT far off.
Results are totally worth it, though.

Stupendous! And dead easy. I love roasting the peppers and eggplant instead of broiling them; it's simpler and requires less attention.