How To Make Ajvar Red Pepper Relish (Recipe Guide) Tips And Calories

Our full guide on How To Make Ajvar one of the most popular dishes in the Balkans.

Ajvar is a delicious and versatile Balkan red pepper relish that is typically made from roasted red peppers, eggplant, garlic, and olive oil. It can be served as a dip, spread, or condiment.

Here’s a detailed recipe guide, along with tips and calorie information.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki

How to Make Ajvar

Ajvar Recipe Ingredients

8 red bell peppers
2 medium eggplants
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional, to taste)
1-2 hot chili peppers (optional, for a spicy version)

Get the best deals for your home and kitchen needs

Step By Step How to Make Ajvar

Roast the Peppers and Eggplants

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the red bell peppers and eggplants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and the vegetables are tender. Alternatively, you can roast them on a grill or directly over a gas flame until charred.

Peel the Vegetables

Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and let them steam for about 10 minutes. This will make peeling easier.

Once cooled, peel off the skins of the peppers and eggplants. Remove the seeds and stems from the peppers.
Blend the Ingredients:

Place the peeled peppers and eggplants in a food processor. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, and white vinegar.
If using hot chili peppers, add them to the mixture based on your desired level of spiciness. Process until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky if you prefer a more textured relish.

Cook the Ajvar

Transfer the blended mixture to a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and excess moisture evaporates, about 20-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add sugar if you want to balance the acidity of the vinegar and enhance the sweetness of the peppers.

Cool and Store

Let the ajvar cool to room temperature. Transfer to sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can process the jars in a water bath canner according to safe canning practices.

Tips To Make Ajvar

For a smoky flavor, roast the peppers and eggplants on a grill or directly over a gas flame instead of in the oven. Steaming the roasted vegetables in a covered bowl helps loosen the skins for easy peeling.

Adjust the consistency of the ajvar to your liking by processing it more or less in the food processor. Add more garlic, vinegar, or chili peppers to suit your taste preferences. For a milder version, omit the chili peppers.

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

How Many Calories Have Ajvar

Red Bell Peppers (8): Approximately 200 calories
Eggplants (2): Approximately 100 calories
Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Approximately 480 calories
Garlic (3-4 cloves): Approximately 15 calories
White Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Approximately 6 calories

Total Calories for the Batch: Approximately 801 calories