{"id":"ajvar_a7660d7bb2","slug":"ajvar-roasted-red-pepper-and-eggplant-spread","title":"Ajvar (Roasted Red Pepper and Eggplant Spread)","description":"A rich, smoky, and savory Eastern European spread made from fire-roasted red peppers and eggplants. This traditional condiment is perfect as a dip, sandwich spread, or side dish.","serves":10,"time":{"prepMinutes":60,"cookMinutes":90,"totalMinutes":150,"activeMinutes":60},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"2 kg Red bell peppers (approx. 10-12 large peppers)","name":"Red Bell Pepper","quantity":2,"unit":"kg","usQuantity":4.4,"usUnit":"lb","form":"whole","notes":"long, fleshy varieties like Ajvarka are best","group":"Vegetables","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"1 kg Eggplant (approx. 2 medium eggplants)","name":"Eggplant","quantity":1,"unit":"kg","usQuantity":2.2,"usUnit":"lb","form":"whole","notes":"","group":"Vegetables","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"200 ml Sunflower oil","name":"Sunflower Oil","quantity":200,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":"3/4","usUnit":"cup","form":"liquid","notes":"or any neutral oil","group":"Fats","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"4 Garlic cloves, minced","name":"Garlic","quantity":4,"unit":"clove","usQuantity":4,"usUnit":"clove","form":"minced","notes":"","group":"Seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"1 tbsp Salt","name":"Salt","quantity":15,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"fine","notes":"adjust to taste","group":"Seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1 tbsp White vinegar","name":"White Vinegar","quantity":15,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"liquid","notes":"optional, helps preservation","group":"Seasoning","optional":true}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Place whole red peppers and eggplants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.","group":"Roasting","title":"Preheat the oven","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Roasting"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Roast the vegetables for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is blistered and charred on all sides.","group":"Roasting","title":"Roast the vegetables","timerMinutes":40,"sourceTitle":"Roasting"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Remove the vegetables from the oven. Place the peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 15 minutes; this makes them easier to peel. Peel the peppers and eggplants, removing all charred skin, seeds, and stems.","group":"Prep","title":"Remove the vegetables from the oven","timerMinutes":15,"sourceTitle":"Prep"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Drain any excess liquid from the peeled vegetables. Finely mince the peppers and eggplant by hand or pulse in a food processor until you reach a chunky or smooth consistency, as desired.","group":"Prep","title":"Drain any excess liquid from the peeled vegetables","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Prep"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Transfer the vegetable mash to a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add the sunflower oil, minced garlic, and salt.","group":"Cooking","title":"Transfer the vegetable mash","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Cook over low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring frequently. The ajvar is done when most of the liquid has evaporated and the oil begins to separate. Stir in the vinegar in the last 5 minutes if using.","group":"Cooking","title":"Cook over low heat","timerMinutes":90,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"}],"notes":"For the best flavor, roast the peppers and eggplants over an open flame or charcoal grill to get that authentic smoky taste. If using an oven, make sure to roast until the skins are well charred.","cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Balkan","Serbian","Macedonian"]},"course":["appetizer","sauce","side"],"cookingMethod":["roast","simmer"],"equipment":["large pot","baking tray","food processor or knife","glass jars"],"diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","low_carb","paleo"],"allergens":[],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":1,"unit":"l","note":"Makes about two 500ml jars"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"Ajvar can be canned in sterilized jars while still hot for long-term storage."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in an airtight container or glass jar. Cover the top with a thin layer of oil to help preserve freshness.","reheatingNotes":"Best served at room temperature or cold."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fajvar_a7660d7bb2%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=c8054981-d41b-4ef5-9299-567fb24f9e4b","imageAlt":"Ajvar (Roasted Red Pepper and Eggplant Spread) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["spread","dip","roasted","vegan","low carb","traditional","peppers","eggplant"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Ajvar (Roasted Red Pepper and Eggplant Spread)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T05:27:19.122Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T05:27:19.122Z","related":[{"id":"recipe_943b7108be","slug":"buckwheat-porridge-hrechana-kasha","title":"Buckwheat Porridge (Hrechana Kasha)","description":"A nutritious, nutty, and comforting Eastern European staple. This fluffy buckwheat porridge is a healthy, gluten-free dish that is perfect for breakfast or as a hearty side.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Ukrainian"]},"course":["main","side"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free","high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_943b7108be%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=7dd38cb8-7bb4-48fd-b6e8-db1d1eed0a49","imageAlt":"Buckwheat Porridge (Hrechana Kasha) — recipe cover","tags":["healthy","gluten-free","grains","comfort food","ukrainian"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_a370768489","slug":"cranberry-sauce","title":"Cranberry Sauce","description":"A classic sweet and tart Eastern European style cranberry sauce, perfect as a vibrant accompaniment to roasted meats or festive desserts.","serves":8,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Ukrainian"]},"course":["sauce"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free","egg_free","soy_free","shellfish_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_a370768489%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=3f04a722-019a-494a-96d5-1e162086d20e","imageAlt":"Cranberry Sauce — recipe cover","tags":["cranberry","sauce","eastern european","tart","sweet","holiday side"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":5},{"id":"sos_koperkowy_00196361f0","slug":"creamy-dill-sauce-sos-koperkowy","title":"Creamy Dill Sauce (Sos Koperkowy)","description":"A velvety, aromatic Eastern European sauce made with fresh dill and a light cream base, traditionally served over boiled potatoes, meatballs, or fish.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":10,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Polish"]},"course":["sauce"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fsos_koperkowy_00196361f0%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=5d2e8be7-399f-40aa-9f32-5280466e00fc","imageAlt":"Creamy Dill Sauce (Sos Koperkowy) — recipe cover","tags":["dill","creamy","polish","traditional","herb sauce"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":5}]}