Heart-Healthy Homemade Ajvar Sauce

Elevate your meals with this Heart-Healthy Homemade Ajvar Sauce, a vibrant and nutrient-packed Mediterranean condiment made from smoky roasted red bell peppers and creamy eggplant. Infused with heart-smart olive oil, fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, and a dash of paprika, this versatile sauce delivers bold flavor without compromising your health. Perfect as a spread, dip, or topping for grilled meats and veggies, this easy-to-make recipe combines wholesome ingredients with a simple roasting and blending technique for a velvety texture and irresistible taste. Ready in under an hour and packed with antioxidants, it's a guilt-free way to add flair to your favorite dishes while supporting your well-being.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 pieces red bell peppers
• 1 medium eggplant
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

Step 2

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3

Wash and pat dry the red bell peppers and eggplant. Place them whole on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4

Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the skin is charred and blistered.

Step 5

Once roasted, remove the peppers and eggplant from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid to allow them to steam as they cool; this will make the skins easier to peel off.

Step 6

While the vegetables are cooling, peel and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 7

Once cooled enough to handle, peel the skin off the red peppers and eggplant. Remove the seeds and stems from the peppers.

Step 8

Place the skinned peppers and eggplant into a food processor. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Step 9

Pulse the mixture in the food processor until you achieve a smooth consistency with a little bit of texture.

Step 10

Taste the ajvar and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more lemon juice or a bit more olive oil if desired.

Step 11

Transfer the ajvar to a clean jar or bowl. It’s ready to be served right away or can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Step 12

Use the ajvar as a spread on sandwiches, a dip for vegetables, or a topping for grilled meats and fish, making it a delicious and heart-healthy choice for various dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1014.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	555.6

Total Fat 30.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1786.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 63.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.3g	0%
Total Sugars 35.3g
Protein 11.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 111.3mg	0%
Iron 4.5mg	0%
Potassium 2330.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.0%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 44.3%