Appetizer · Side Dish · Mediterranean ·

Balkan Ajvar with Roasted Red Peppers and Garlic

Name: Balkan Ajvar with Roasted Red Peppers and Garlic
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 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

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!

4.9(415 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 15, 2025

Balkan Ajvar with Roasted Red Peppers and Garlic — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Roasted Red Peppers

For the Garlic Paste

For the Ajvar Mixture

For the Final Touch

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 141 kcal
Protein: 1.6 g
Carbs: 10.9 g
Fat: 11.5 g
Fiber: 3.4 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 706 kcal
Protein: 7.8 g
Carbs: 54.3 g
Fat: 57.5 g
Fiber: 16.9 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
6 large red bell peppers	186	6	45	1	15
1 tablespoon olive oil	119	0	0	14	0
1 bulb of garlic, cut in half crosswise	27	1	6	0	0.5
1 tablespoon olive oil	119	0	0	14	0
Salt, to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 tablespoons olive oil	238	0	0	28	0
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar	3	0	0.1	0	0
1 teaspoon smoked paprika	6	0.3	1.2	0.3	0.9
Salt and pepper, to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 tablespoon lemon juice	4	0.1	1.3	0.1	0.1
Fresh parsley, for garnish	4	0.4	0.7	0.1	0.4

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Roasting the Red Peppers

1
Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Prepare peppers
Rub the bell peppers with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
3
Roast peppers
Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally until charred on all sides.
Tip: Peel and seed the peppers while they’re still warm to easily remove the skins.

Preparing the Garlic Paste

1
Drizzle and wrap garlic
Drizzle olive oil over the cut garlic halves, sprinkle with salt, and wrap tightly in foil.
2
Roast garlic
Roast alongside peppers for 30-35 minutes, until soft and golden.
3
Mash garlic
Allow to cool slightly, then squeeze the garlic cloves from their skins into a bowl and mash into a paste.

How to Make Balkan Ajvar with Roasted Red Peppers and Garlic

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Blend ingredients
Peel and seed the roasted peppers, then blend with roasted garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and smoked paprika until smooth.
2
Season mixture
Adjust the flavor with salt, pepper, and lemon juice; blend again to incorporate.
3
Cook ajvar
Heat the mixture gently in a skillet for 5-10 minutes to remove excess moisture and intensify flavors.