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Ajvar (Roasted Red Pepper Dip)

5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Simmer Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield 1 cup
Category Appetizer
Cuisine Baltic

Description

Our take on this classic European red pepper spread. Perfect as a dip, sandwich spread, with pasta, and more!

Ingredients

  • 5-6 sweet red peppers*
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
  • Optional: Eggplant or chilies

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (218ºC). Place peppers on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes on the top oven rack. Using tongs, rotate peppers and roast for an additional 20 minutes, until softened and charred.
  • Transfer peppers to a bowl with a tight fitting lid. Let steam/cool until they are cool enough to handle.
  • Remove skin, stems and seeds from the peppers.
  • Place peppers and garlic cloves in a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped.
  • Add olive oil, vinegar and salt and process once more until desired texture is achieved.
  • Next, pour red pepper mixture into a saucepan and simmer on medium-low, stirring frequently, until a thick puree is formed—about 30 minutes.

Notes

* Ajvar is traditionally made using long, sweet red peppers. If you cannot find them, you can roast red bell peppers instead.
This can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Fresh ajvar can be refrigerated and enjoyed for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 6.5gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 290mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 4.5g
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