Balkan Ajvar with Roasted Red Peppers and Garlic

Name: Balkan Ajvar with Roasted Red Peppers and Garlic
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4-6 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 6 large red bell peppers; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 bulb of garlic, cut in half crosswise; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Fresh parsley, for garnish

A smoky, robust Balkan spread

This Balkan delicacy, made with roasted red peppers and garlic, captures the rich and smoky flavors traditional to the region. Perfect as a spread, dip, or condiment!

1 h 30 min
4-6 servings
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Roasted Red Peppers

6 large red bell peppers

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic Paste

1 bulb of garlic, cut in half crosswise

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt, to taste

For the Ajvar Mixture

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Final Touch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation

Roasting the Red Peppers

Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

Prepare peppers

Rub the bell peppers with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.

Roast peppers

Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally until charred on all sides.

Peel and seed the peppers while they’re still warm to easily remove the skins.

Preparing the Garlic Paste

Drizzle and wrap garlic

Drizzle olive oil over the cut garlic halves, sprinkle with salt, and wrap tightly in foil.

Roast garlic

Roast alongside peppers for 30-35 minutes, until soft and golden.

Mash garlic

Allow to cool slightly, then squeeze the garlic cloves from their skins into a bowl and mash into a paste.

Cooking Process

Blend ingredients

Peel and seed the roasted peppers, then blend with roasted garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and smoked paprika until smooth.

For extra spice, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the ajvar mixture.

Season mixture

Adjust the flavor with salt, pepper, and lemon juice; blend again to incorporate.

Cook ajvar

Heat the mixture gently in a skillet for 5-10 minutes to remove excess moisture and intensify flavors.

Plating & Serving