Vegan Homemade Ajvar (Aivar)

Elevate your plant-based pantry with this Vegan Homemade Ajvar (Aivar), a smoky, velvety spread that captures the essence of Balkan cuisine. Made from roasted red bell peppers, eggplants, and a hint of red chili for mild heat, this vibrant recipe is rich in wholesome, roasted flavors and accented with garlic, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar for a subtle tang. Perfect as a dip, a sandwich spread, or a condiment for everything from grilled vegetables to pasta, this easy-to-make ajvar is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients. With just 20 minutes of prep and an hour of cooking, enjoy a homemade ajvar that’s bursting with flavor and ideal for enhancing any meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 5 large red bell peppers
• 2 medium eggplants
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 medium red chili pepper
• 60 ml olive oil
• 30 ml apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Wash the red bell peppers and eggplants thoroughly. Cut the bell peppers in half, remove the seeds and membranes.

Step 3

Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise.

Step 4

Place the bell peppers and eggplants cut side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5

Add the garlic cloves (with skin on) and red chili pepper to the baking sheet, ensuring they're spread out evenly.

Step 6

Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the skins of the bell peppers are charred.

Step 7

Remove from oven, and allow them to cool until you can handle them comfortably.

Step 8

Peel the skin off the bell peppers, eggplants (optional), and garlic. Discard the skins.

Step 9

In a food processor, combine the peeled peppers, eggplants, garlic, and peeled red chili pepper. Blend until smooth.

Step 10

Transfer the mixture to a large skillet or saucepan. Add olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

Step 11

Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture has reduced and thickened, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 12

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 13

Allow the ajvar to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.

Step 14

Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy as a dip for breads, or a flavorful condiment for various dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1682.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	998.7

Total Fat 60.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2386.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 100.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.8g	0%
Total Sugars 53.3g
Protein 17.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 167.5mg	0%
Iron 8.2mg	0%
Potassium 3796.1mg	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: 53.7%

Protein: 6.9%

Carbs: 39.4%