Mediterranean Diet Homemade Ajvar (Aivar)

Embrace the rich, smoky flavors of the Mediterranean with this Homemade Ajvar (Aivar), a versatile spread that's perfect for those following the Mediterranean diet. Made from roasted red bell peppers and eggplants, this vibrant relish is elevated with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar, and a touch of fresh lemon juice for a tangy finish. The recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking, celebrating fresh, wholesome ingredients and simple techniques like roasting and blending. Whether served with crusty whole-grain bread, as a sandwich spread, or alongside grilled meats and vegetables, this ajvar is an irresistible addition to any meal. Whip up this easy, flavor-packed condiment in just 80 minutes and savor the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 6 large red bell peppers
• 2 medium eggplants
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

Step 2

Wash and dry the red bell peppers and eggplants. Place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

Step 3

Roast the red bell peppers and eggplants in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until their skins are charred and the vegetables are soft, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4

Once roasted, place the hot peppers and eggplants in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a lid. Let them steam for about 15 minutes. This will make the skins easier to remove.

Step 5

Peel the skins off the peppers and eggplants. Remove the seeds and stems from the peppers and scoop out the flesh of the eggplants.

Step 6

In a food processor, combine the roasted pepper and eggplant flesh along with the garlic cloves. Pulse until smooth, or leave slightly chunky if you prefer texture in the ajvar.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to a saucepan. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.

Step 8

Cook the ajvar over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may add more salt, vinegar, or lemon juice according to your preference.

Step 10

Once cooked, let the ajvar cool down before transferring it to a sterilized jar for storage. The ajvar can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.

Step 11

Serve the homemade ajvar with crusty whole grain bread, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a side condiment with grilled meats or vegetables, in true Mediterranean fashion.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1846.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1012.2

Total Fat 60.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2416.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 108.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.7g	0%
Total Sugars 57.5g
Protein 18.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 169.5mg	0%
Iron 7.1mg	0%
Potassium 3853.2mg	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: 51.5%

Protein: 7.1%

Carbs: 41.4%